Rockets Struggle to Find 'Edge' After Ugly Loss to Celtics

Coach Ime Udoka calls out team's lack of 'fight, toughness, effort' in 21-point defeat

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:47am

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The Houston Rockets suffered a 114-93 loss to the Boston Celtics, who were playing without Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Rockets coach Ime Udoka criticized his team's effort, saying the 'edge is missing' and that coaches and players should be 'embarrassed' by the performance. The Rockets have struggled since the start of 2026, dropping in the net rating, offensive rating, and defensive rating rankings despite having a 31-18 record and high expectations with Kevin Durant on the roster.

Why it matters

The Rockets' loss to the short-handed Celtics raises concerns about the team's mentality and ability to maintain the 'gritty identity' that was forged last season. With Durant nearing the end of his prime, the Rockets need to find a way to maximize this season and make a deep playoff run, but the recent lack of effort and 'edge' could jeopardize those aspirations.

The details

The Rockets were dominated on the glass, giving up 20 offensive rebounds and 27 second-chance points to the Celtics. Udoka said he saw multiple loose balls hit Houston's hands and deflect away, with players failing to dive on the court to secure them. Durant was face-guarded by the Celtics, limiting his scoring opportunities, and finished with just 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting.

  • The Rockets hosted the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, February 6, 2026 to finish a back-to-back.

The players

Ime Udoka

Head coach of the Houston Rockets who was critical of his team's effort and performance in the loss to the Celtics.

Kevin Durant

Superstar forward for the Houston Rockets who was limited to 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting as the Celtics focused their defense on denying him the ball.

Jaylen Brown

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who did not play in the game against the Rockets.

Jayson Tatum

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who did not play in the game against the Rockets.

Joe Mazzulla

Head coach of the Boston Celtics who devised a game plan to deny Durant easy scoring opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“The edge is missing. We don't have that on a nightly basis.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets (Houston Chronicle)

“Bad energy. No flow on the offensive side of the ball.”

— Kevin Durant (Houston Chronicle)

“You gotta move... We got backdoor plays when they're guarding that way where guys gotta set screens to free him up. ... It takes him moving as well.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.