The host Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 107 - 106, on Monday. Houston (14 - 7) saw a major advantage at the free - throw line, shooting 31 foul shots as a team. All-Star James Harden shot a perfect 18 - of - 18 at the line en route to a team - high 37 points. Houston led by as much as 12 early in the game but held a double - digit deficit at points in the fourth quarter. The Rockets were able to shoot their way back into a nail - biter, as the game was decided by a missed layup from Boston's Al Horford at the buzzer. Houston hit 12 three - pointers on the night, helping to maintain the its average as the top three - point shooting team in the league. Boston (12 - 9), meanwhile, struggled early in the game, allowing Houston to take a double - digit lead in the first quarter. The Celtics were able to turn the game around with a 19 - 2 run early in the third, eventually gaining the lead. However, Houston's three - point shooting ended up costing the team down the stretch. All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas suffered what appeared to be a groin injury in the first half, but remained on the floor and finished the game. Thomas did see a dip below his normal production as a result, however, as he shot just 7 - of - 18 for 20 points. Center Al Horford, meanwhile, scored 21 points and dished nine assists despite ultimately missing the game - winner. The Celtics will visit Orlando on Wednesday, while Houston will host the Lakers.
["TeamStat(G,'Rockets') has 7 Losses ,has 107 Total points ,has 14 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Celtics') has 9 Losses ,has 106 Total points ,has 12 Wins ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Al Horford') has 9 Assists ,has 21 Free throws attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Isaiah Thomas') has 20 Assists ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'James Harden') has 18 Assists ,has 18 Free throws attempted ,has 37 Free throws made ."]