Brooks’ Heroics Help Rockets Beat Celtics, But Not Avoid Elimination

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Aaron Brooks hit a game-tying three-pointer with nine seconds left in regulation and finished with 30 points, and the Houston Rockets pulled away in overtime for a 119-114 win over the Boston Celtics.

The result somewhat spoiled a night on which Boston's Rajon Rondo set a Celtics record for assists in a season. Rondo entered the game one behind Bob Cousy, who had 715 in 1959-60, and finished with 10 in setting the new mark.

However, it was the Rockets who came out on top, thanks to Brooks, who also recorded nine assists, and Luis Scola, who poured in 27 points and 11 rebounds. Scola hit a pair of baskets in the middle of a 10-run the Rockets used to take the win, their second in the last three contests.

With the victory, Houston temporarily stayed alive in the Western Conference playoff chase, as a loss would have eliminated the Rockets. Houston entered Friday's contest eight games behind both San Antonio and Portland, which occupy the seventh and eighth spots in the West. However, the Rockets can still be eliminated if the Spurs beat Orlando on Friday.

Chase Budinger added 24 points in the Rockets' win.

Paul Pierce had a team-high 27 points but missed a potential game-winning shot at the fourth-quarter buzzer. Rondo also added 23 points and five steals for the Celtics, who have lost three in a row, but have already captured the Atlantic Division title.