NBA – Celtics shoot down Rockets, end winning streak at 22 games (+ video)

HOUSTON (NBA) - The Houston Rockets’ remarkable 22-game unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday in a 94-74 home defeat to the Boston Celtics.

Riding the second-longest winning streak in NBA history, the Rockets lost as Kevin Garnett scored 22 points, Paul Pierce 21 and Leon Powe 20 for the Celtics, who improved to an NBA-best 54-13.

The contest was knotted at 40-40 at half-time, but with Boston’s defense smothering tar Tracy McGrady from start to finish, the pressure eventually told with the Rockets (46-21) held to just 34 points over the final two quarters.

The 1970-71 Los Angeles Lakers team that had Wilt Chamberlain owns the longest winning streak at 33 games.

Houston guard Rafer Alston said the run had been fun.

"The streak means a lot," he said.

"Our names will be mentioned with some Hall of Famers and that great team that won 33 in a row. A lot of those players are in the Hall of Fame. A lot of us won't be there. But the next time a team goes on a streak like that, they'll have to catch us before they catch the Lakers."

Luis Scola of Argentina had 15 points and eight rebounds to lead Houston. McGrady was held to just eight points.

The Los Angeles Lakers, playing again without Pau Gasol of Spain who has a sprained ankle, got 29 points from Kobe Bryant in a 102-100 triumph at the Dallas Mavericks.

Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 35 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in defeat for the Mavs.

In other games, the Phoenix Suns travelled to Portland and won 111-98, Sacramento cruised 122-105 at home over Golden State and New Jersey fell 112-06 at Chicago.

The Miami Heat prevailed 112-106 at Milwaukee and Detroit claimed a 136-120 home success against Denver.

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