Boston Celtics defeat Houston Rockets, 103-99

HOUSTON - The Celtics have been politically active in recent days, and they were active on the court last night in taking a 103-99 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Motivated to compensate for a loss at Indiana three days earlier, the Celtics took control for long stretches, leading by as many as 15 in the first half, then holding off the Rockets on the shooting of Ray Allen, who scored a season-high 29 points.

But the Celtics, who take a 3-1 record to Oklahoma City ...