The Boston Celtics extended their NBA winning streak to nine games with a commanding 124-113 triumph over the Chicago Bulls, while the Houston Rockets surged to their eighth consecutive victory, overpowering the Utah Jazz 147-119 on Saturday.

Sam Hauser showcased his sharpshooting prowess for the Celtics, sinking seven of their 21 three-pointers en route to 23 points. Al Horford also contributed 23 points, while Jayson Tatum, returning from a brief absence, led the charge with 26 points. Despite Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis nursing injuries, the Celtics maintained their momentum, with Horford draining five three-pointers and the team pulling away in the final quarter, ultimately securing the win.

Although DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 28 points for the Bulls, it wasn’t enough to halt their second consecutive defeat. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s resilience against formidable opponents like the Bulls, emphasizing their ability to excel in critical areas such as offensive rebounds and defensive pressure.\

With the victory, the Celtics inch closer to their season-best 11-game winning streak, bolstering their league-best record to 57-14 and extending their lead in the Eastern Conference standings.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets continued their pursuit of a postseason berth with an impressive display against the Utah Jazz. Led by Jalen Green’s stellar performance, scoring 41 points, and Fred VanVleet’s record-breaking ten three-pointers, the Rockets dominated from beyond the arc, sinking a total of 27 threes.

Despite their recent winning streak, the Rockets remain on the cusp of playoff contention, currently sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference. Green emphasized the team’s collective focus on securing a postseason berth, highlighting the significance of their performances in the context of their playoff aspirations.

In other NBA action, Devin Booker propelled the Phoenix Suns to a commanding 131-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, while the Sacramento Kings narrowly edged out the Orlando Magic 109-107, with De’Aaron Fox delivering a standout performance with 31 points.

As the regular season heats up, teams across the league are intensifying their efforts to secure playoff berths and position themselves for postseason success. With thrilling matchups and high-stakes encounters, the race for playoff contention promises to deliver excitement and drama in the coming weeks.