Francis planned to play through the pain, but minutes before the game was to start, he discovered he did not have to. Instead of a migraine sufferer, he was transformed into a carrier.

The Rockets were healed. The Celtics were beaten 104-101. And Francis did everything but prove his point that he is not as vital to the Rockets' chances as he has been labeled.

"It felt so good to play headache-free," Francis said. "I feel kind of relieved. I'm awfully tired as far as the travel and stuff. But I was able to just focus on the game. I wasn't bothered by a headache during the game, and that really helped."

Francis, out for the Rockets' loss at Toronto on Wednesday and pained and dizzy in their overtime loss at Philadelphia on Tuesday, had his first triple double of the season. He had 20 points in the second half to finish with 26. He had 15 rebounds and 10 assists, both season bests. He did have five turnovers but committed just one after the first quarter.