HOUSTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Houston Rockets got off to a fast start and never looked back while on their way to a 109-85 win over the visiting Boston Celtics.
The Rockets, who for the fourth time in their last five games, played like their namesake in the first half, jumping out to a 40-18 lead in the first quarter and shooting a torrid 72.2 percent in the half.
Terrence Jones scored 24 to lead Houston. Patrick Beverly added 16 and James Harden scored 15. Dwight Howard contributed a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Boston outscored Houston 28-21 in the fourth quarter but could not make up enough of the ground they lost in the first half and lost their fourth game in a row. The Celtics trailed 68-44 at the break and shot 32.3 percent from the field compared to 56.9 percent for Houston.
Courtney Lee came off the bench to lead Boston with 17 points. Avery Bradley scored 11 and Jared Sullinger ended with 10 points and nine rebounds.
