Brooks scores 21, Rockets rally past Celtics in Garnett’s first game since knee injury

Rockets rally past Celtics in Garnett’s return

HIDALGO, Texas — Aaron Brooks scored 21 points and the Houston Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Boston Celtics 96-90 on Wednesday night.

Kevin Garnett scored six points and grabbed five rebounds in his first action since aggravating a right knee injury last March 25. Garnett scored all six points in the first quarter, helping Boston build an early lead.

Rasheed Wallace had six points in 18 minutes in his debut for the Celtics. Wallace entered with 7:21 left in the first quarter and was called for his first technical in the third when he was whistled for fouling Trevor Ariza.

David Andersen scored seven points in the final 2:48 for the Rockets. Houston acquired the 6-foot-11 Australian after determining Yao Ming would miss the upcoming season after foot surgery.

Garnett underwent knee surgery in May and the Celtics lost to Orlando in the second round of the playoffs.

Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Garnett started for Boston, while Houston’s opening lineup included projected reserves Brian Cook and Kyle Lowry.

Garnett swished two perimeter jumpers in the first two minutes. Wallace, who signed with the Celtics in July, replaced Kendrick Perkins a few minutes later.

Pierce and Garnett each scored six points in about nine minutes of action in the first half, and Boston led 51-41 at the break.

The Celtics’ starters were back on the floor in the third quarter, but the Rockets opened with a 17-6 run to take a one-point lead.

Wallace earned a technical foul with 6:14 left in the third quarter after he was whistled for fouling Ariza. Brooks sank the free throw to tie it at 57-all and Ariza’s free throw gave Houston its first lead.

Andersen replaced Joey Dorsey with 3:48 left in the game and hit a jump shot and converted a three-point play over the next 90 seconds.

The game was played at Dodge Arena, home of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League. The Rockets purchased operating rights of the team over the summer.