The sky is falling: Rockets hand Celtics another loss

Yao Ming posted 26 points and eight rebounds, and the Houston Rockets dealt the Boston Celtics an 89-85 defeat at TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics have been reeling as of late, dropping six of eight since a franchise-record 19-game win streak. The loss also snaps the defending champions' 13-game home win streak, dropping Boston to 18-2 this season as the host. Aaron Brooks had 19 points for the Rockets, who got their first win on a five- game road trip. They had lost the first three games to Toronto, Atlanta and Philadelphia, respectively, before...read full article

Celtics fall at home 89-85 to Rockets

Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead as the Rockets beat the slumping Boston Celtics 89-85 in the NBA on Wednesday. It was the sixth loss in eight games for the defending NBA champions, but their first at home since a Nov. 14 defeat to Denver sent them on a 19-game winning streak. Yao Ming had 26 points and eight rebounds, scoring on a putback with 12.9 seconds left to help the Rockets snap a three-game losing streak and a five-game road skid. Paul Pierce scored 26 points, and Kevin Garnett had 18 and eight rebounds...read full article

Rockets hand struggling Celtics narrow defeat at home

Struggling NBA champions Boston Celtics suffered their third straight defeat after Houston Rockets edged them 89-85 at home on Wednesday. Houston guard Von Wafer made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 43 seconds left and Yao Ming added two of his team-high 26 in the final seconds to clinch victory. The Celtics entered the contest having lost five road games in their last seven contests, but the holders could not find any solace at home either. Paul Pierce led the way with 26 points for the Celtics, who scored a season-low 11 points in the fourth quarter to let the...read full article