The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 116-105, at Toyota Center on Tuesday.

This game was 96-94 with six minutes remaining but Houston finished the game on a 20-11 run to prevail. In fact, they rode a 69-56 second half to their victory, holding the lead for the final 23 minutes of play. With that said, there were five ties and five lead changes across the first 25 minutes. Free-throw shooting was the only major advantage for the Rockets, connecting on 37-of-42 and the Celtics hitting 20-of-25. In addition, Houston's starters outscored Boston's starters, 111-79. They also won the turnover differential, 18-14.

The Celtics (37-16) were led by Gordon Hayward, who tallied 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jaylen Brown accrued 19 points and three rebounds. Jayson Tatum went just 5-of-15 from the field to generate 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals while Kemba Walker went 5-of-17 from the field to collect 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.

The Rockets (34-20) were led by James Harden and his 42 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, going 17-of-18 from the free-throw line. Russell Westbrook tallied 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Robert Covington totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks while Danuel House provided 17 points and eight rebounds.

This is the final game before the All-Star break for the Rockets. The Celtics finish their first half on Thursday, playing host to the Los Angeles Clippers. Houston's next game will be on February 20 in a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors.