The Houston Rockets are making waves, and they’re doing it with a flair that’s catching the NBA by storm.
Forget quiet wins; these Rockets are blasting off, proving their mettle against the league’s elite.
Their recent conquest?
A dramatic, last-second victory over the Boston Celtics on their home turf, a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounded.
A Night of Thrills: Rockets vs Celtics Delivers a Classic
Monday night’s clash between the Rockets and Celtics at Boston’s TD Garden was more than just a regular-season game; it was a heavyweight bout that showcased rising talent and a veteran team’s resilience.
This wasn’t your typical blowout, instead, it was a nail-biting, back-and-forth affair that will be talked about for weeks to come.
The Rockets, riding a wave of momentum, came into Boston looking for a statement win, and that’s precisely what they delivered.
Amen Thompson’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Celtics Reeling
The final moments of the game were nothing short of cinematic.
With the score see-sawing and the clock winding down, the game seemed destined for overtime.
Yet, with mere seconds remaining, Amen Thompson took control.
After a series of clutch plays by both teams, it was Thompson who secured the victory.
With 0.7 seconds on the clock, Thompson’s floater swished through the net, silencing the raucous Boston crowd.
This shot didn’t just win the game; it stamped Thompson’s name onto the list of rising NBA stars.
What a way to cap a night of incredible basketball.
It wasn’t just another game; it was a statement.
The sequence was as follows: The Rockets held a slim lead at 110-108, when Jaylen Brown of the Celtics was fouled with only 11.1 seconds left.
Brown nailed the two free throws, tying the game.
Not to be outdone, Alperen Şengün then dunked on the other end to reclaim the Rockets’ lead.
Then the Celtics responded again as Jayson Tatum drove past Thompson for a layup.
The ball moved to the frontcourt following a timeout.
Fred VanVleet inbounded the ball to Thompson, who then drove into the lane, employed a stutter step to shake his defender, and floated the ball right into the basket.
Payton Pritchard’s last-second desperation shot failed to land, sealing the Rockets‘ victory.
A Breakout Stretch for Thompson
Since moving into Houston’s starting lineup on January 5th, Amen Thompson has been nothing short of spectacular.
His performance against the Celtics wasn’t an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a torrid run.
He finished with a career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, shooting an impressive 13 of 19 from the field.
But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
Thompson’s impact goes beyond the box score; he is a constant force on both ends of the court.
- 10 Games, 10 Wins: Since becoming a starter, Thompson’s averages stand at 19.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 steals.
- Triple-Double in Cleveland: Thompson’s impressive run started earlier with a 23-point, 14-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double against the Cavaliers.
His teammates have also noticed his elevated play.
Dillon Brooks, who himself had a stellar night with 36 points, couldn’t help but admire Thompson’s performance.
“I knew that mfer was going in,” Brooks exclaimed in a post-game interview, as seen in the video below.
“Oh that’s my first game-winner.
I feel like Kobe,” Thompson added, clearly elated by the moment.
His confidence and skill are beginning to shine through.
See what all the hype is about:
Rockets’ Ascendancy Continues
With the win, the Rockets record rose to 31-14, remaining in second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Since Thompson entered the starting lineup, they’ve gone 8-2 and have won nine of their last eleven overall.
The team is clicking on all cylinders.
Their defense, while showing signs of occasional lapses, has been a formidable force and the offense, sparked by Thompson and Brooks, is producing results.
The Celtics found that out the hard way.
A Look at the Leadup: Rockets vs Celtics
Leading up to this electrifying matchup, the storylines were already compelling.
The Celtics, coming off a dominant win against the Mavericks and with a 32-14 record, were aiming for their fourth win in five games.
Meanwhile, the Rockets were on a roll, having secured a high-scoring victory over the Cavaliers.
The pre-game buzz centered around the Celtics being a 6.5-point favorite, reflecting their recent success and home-court advantage.
The last meeting between these two saw Boston dominate, winning by a lopsided 109-86 score.
This time, the Rockets had different plans.
Key pregame factors included:
- The Celtics, after four road games, were back at home with a 32-14 record.
- The Rockets had just outgunned the Cavaliers in a 135-131 victory.
- Boston was favored by 6.5 points despite Houston’s recent hot streak, adding a significant layer of anticipation to the nba games.
The pre-game report suggested a potential high-scoring affair, given the teams recent offensive outputs.
However, the game proved to be a showcase of tight defense and critical execution, with moments of brilliance sprinkled throughout.
Where to Catch Future Games
Want to see more of this thrilling action?
You can follow your favorite teams on the local television broadcasts.
Here’s the schedule and options for watching the next exciting NBA contests
Rockets vs Celtics: How to Watch
The game took place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
ET at TD Garden in Boston.
It was televised on NBC Sports Boston.
Fans unable to attend could follow the game through various online streaming services.
For future game info, it’s important to check local listings and streaming services before tip off.
Will the Celtics rebound?
Will the Rockets’ rise continue?
The next games will no doubt be just as thrilling as the rockets vs celtics matchup was this week.
The NBA season continues to be as exciting as ever.
Keep your eye out for the next tip-off on the nba games tomorrow.
In the end, this game was more than just a win for the Rockets; it was a statement.
A testament to their evolving team identity and the blossoming talent of players like Amen Thompson.
The Rockets have shown they’re not to be taken lightly, and the league should take note.
The nba games have never been more competitive or full of surprises.
Will these teams meet in the playoffs?
The answer to that is anything but certain but one thing is clear, the future of the NBA is bright.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rockets vs.
Celtics Game
Who won the Rockets vs Celtics game?
The Houston Rockets won the game against the Boston Celtics.
What was the final score?
The final score was not explicitly provided in the article, but the Rockets won with a buzzer-beater by Amen Thompson.
Who hit the game winning shot for the Rockets?
Amen Thompson hit the game-winning shot for the Rockets with 0.7 seconds remaining on the clock.
How did Amen Thompson perform in the game?
Amen Thompson had a career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
He also had the game-winning basket.
What is the Rockets record since Amen Thompson has been a starter?
Since becoming a starter, Thompson’s team, the Rockets, are 10-0 in 10 games.
The Rockets are 8-2 overall in their last 10 games and have won 9 of their last 11 games.
What was the pre-game prediction?
The Celtics were favored by 6.5 points before the game.
Key Takeaways From the Rockets Upset Victory Over the Celtics
The Houston Rockets’ victory over the Boston Celtics was a major upset, driven by Amen Thompson’s outstanding performance and game-winning shot.
The Rockets’ recent success highlights their potential as a competitive team, and the game showcased the excitement and unpredictable nature of the NBA.
This game underscores the rise of the Rockets and the bright future of players like Amen Thompson.
Stay Updated and Catch the Next Games
- Check local listings and streaming services for upcoming NBA game schedules.
- Follow the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics on official NBA platforms for news and updates.
- Look out for upcoming matchups between these two teams as they will continue to be exciting contests.