HOUSTON -- Here are the Stars, Studs and Duds from Boston’s 127-113 loss to the Houston Rockets.
STARS
James Harden: He really set the tone offensively for the Rockets, scoring 17 points in the first quarter on 6-for-8 shooting which included 5-of-7 from three-point range. He would miss his next 11 shots but turned it on when he needed to lead all scorers with 45 points.
Kyrie Irving: He didn’t come out lighting up the scoreboard as we’ve seen recently, but Irving still managed to make his mark when all was said and done. He finished with a team-high 23 points and 11 assists.
STUDS
Marcus Morris: After falling behind by as many as 17 points in the first half, it was Marcus Morris helping lead the charge back into the game by Boston. For the game, he had 19 points before being ejected in the fourth quarter.
Clint Capela: Boston had no answer for him on the glass, particularly the offensive boards which is where he did most of his work. Capela tallied a double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds.
Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart: The Celtics picked their spots well when it came to matching Smart up with James Harden. But Smart made an impact offensively as well, finishing with 11 points.
Eric Gordon: With Chris Paul (hamstring) out, someone had to emerge as a number two scorer behind Harden. Eric Gordon was indeed up to the challenge as he tallied 20 points.
DUDS
Celtics rebounding: The Hoston Rockets absolutely smashed the Celtics on the boards all game, particularly on the offensive glass which allowed them to outscore Boston 18-8 in second-chance points.
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