HOUSTON — James Harden had 26 points and eight rebounds, and the Houston Rockets used a big first quarter to defeat the Boston Celtics 104-90 Saturday night.

Harden was 5 of 14 from the field, but he was 14 of 14 from the free throw line. He also had six assists.

Terrence Jones added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Dwight Howard had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Rockets, who started 3-0 for the second straight season. Houston shot 35 percent from behind the arc and hit 28 of 40 from the free throw line.

Isaiah Canaan scored nine points after starting in place of Patrick Beverley, who missed the game with a strained left hamstring suffered Wednesday in Utah.

Jeff Green had 17 points, and Jared Sullinger added 14 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, which finished 1 of 25 from behind the arc after starting 0 for 21.

Rajon Rondo was held to four points on 2 of 9 shooting to go with 10 rebounds and eight assists.

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