By GREG MENGELT
Langford — a former New Albany and Indiana University star — put up 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and an assists for the Celtics, who outscored the 1-16 Rockets 34-16 in the third quarter to pull away. Langford was 4 for 9 from the floor, including 2 for 4 from behind the 3-point arc in the win.
It was Langford’s best scoring night since he went for 12 on Nov. 4 against Miami.
The Celtics (10-8), who have now won 6 of their last 8 games, were again led by Jayson Tatum, who went for 30 points for the fourth straight game. He’s scored at least 20 in 9 games in a row.
Jaylen Brown, who played for the first time since Nov. 4 due to a hamstring injury, added 19 and Dennis Schroder scored 18 points off the Boston bench.
No Rockets starter scored more than 9 points. Aaron Brooks had a team-best 19 points for Houston, which has dropped 15 games in a row.
Langford and the Celtics will go for five in a row Wednesday night when they host the Brooklyn Nets (13-5). That game will air on ESPN at 7:30 p.m.
