HOUSTON - The Celtics sent the hot Rockets back to earth last night.
The second-longest winning streak in NBA history - 22 games - ended when the Celtics brought down the Rockets, 94-74, at the
"Obviously, this was a good win for us," said Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, who had a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. "This is one of the best accomplishments in sports. It's unbelievable, not just in basketball but in all sports. To do that is remarkable."
With their 13th win in 14 games, the Celtics pushed their NBA-best record to 54-13. They have won seven straight on the road. A night after winning at San Antonio, the Celtics improved to 14-2 in the second of back-to-back games. The Celtics are 3-0 on this five-game trip and improved their road record to 25-8.
"Someone had to do it, eventually," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "We happened to do it."
Houston star Tracy McGrady was held to 8 points on 4-of-11 shooting, and no one on his team scored more than 15. After the teams played to a 40-40 tie at halftime, Boston limited the Rockets to 33.3 percent shooting from the field, 23.1 percent from 3-point range, and outscored them, 54-34.
McGrady said it was the best defense he has seen in his illustrious 10-year career.
"All good things must come to an end," said McGrady, who was averaging 22 points. "It's not disappointing. It's a [heck] of a team there. They outplayed us.
"I've never seen defense like that. If they play defense like that night in and night out, then the NBA is in trouble because that defense was at its finest."
The Celtics were without Ray Allen (left ankle) for the third straight game. Rivers is hopeful that Allen can play tomorrow at Dallas and could definitely use him since his replacement, Tony Allen, could be out.
With 3:18 left in the third quarter last night, Tony Allen was fouled hard by Luis Scola as he took the ball to the basket. Allen hit his lower back as he fell, and he lay on the floor for a couple of minutes before slowly getting back up.
Scola was given a flagrant-1 technical, and Allen made both free throws to give Boston a 64-52 lead. Soon after, he was replaced by James Posey. Allen headed to the locker room early in the fourth quarter and didn't return.
"My lower back is pretty sore," Allen said. "I need to get some ice and treatment and a massage and hopefully I will be OK. The win makes it feel better."
There was no doubt that this game was highly anticipated.
TNT picked up the contest to televise nationally. Media from around the country braved bad travel conditions to make it to Houston. Rockets great Hakeem Olajuwon sat courtside (not far from Roger Clemens's attorney, Rusty Hardin).
