Rockets Defeat Celtics with Buzzer-Beater and Career-High Performance from Amen Thompson

Rockets vs Celtics

BOSTON, MA – The Houston Rockets’ rise in 2025 has been nothing short of electrifying, with standout performances from rising star Amen Thompson. On Monday night, the Rockets stunned the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, securing a 114-112 victory thanks to a dramatic buzzer-beater from Thompson, who capped his career-high 33-point game with a game-winning floater.

This win marks the Rockets’ second consecutive road victory over top-tier Eastern Conference teams, following their win against the Cleveland Cavaliers just two days prior. Thompson’s late-game heroics have become emblematic of his breakout performance since stepping into the Rockets’ starting lineup earlier in January.


A Thrilling Finish: Thompson’s Last-Second Heroics

The final moments of the game were nothing short of a rollercoaster. The Rockets led 110-108 with 11.1 seconds left when Jaylen Brown of the Celtics sank two clutch free throws to tie the game. Houston responded with a dunk from Alperen Şengün, but Boston’s Jayson Tatum quickly answered with a layup of his own to tie the score again at 112-112.

However, the Rockets were not to be outdone.

With less than 5 seconds remaining, the Rockets called a timeout, advancing the ball to half-court. Thompson received an inbounds pass from Fred VanVleet, only to find himself guarded by Brown at the top of the key. He expertly drove into the lane, used a stutter-step to shake off Brown, and then pulled up for a smooth floater as the clock ticked down. The ball swished through the net with just 0.7 seconds left, putting the Rockets ahead for good.

A last-ditch desperation heave from Payton Pritchard missed the mark, and the Rockets secured the upset victory.


Thompson’s Career-High Night

Thompson’s game-winner was the highlight of a career night. The second-year forward had an incredible 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting an efficient 13-of-19 from the field. His performance is just the latest in a string of impressive outings since he became a permanent fixture in the Rockets’ starting five on January 5.

In the past 10 games, Thompson has averaged 19.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, solidifying himself as one of the NBA’s most promising young players. His breakout was especially evident in the Rockets’ win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he notched a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.

After the win against the Celtics, Thompson shared his excitement, saying:

“That’s my first game-winner. I feel like Kobe.”

His teammate Dillon Brooks, who contributed 36 points in the win, celebrated alongside Thompson, who is quickly becoming the Rockets’ go-to player in clutch situations.


Rockets’ Hot Streak Continues

The victory in Boston improves the Rockets’ record to 31-14, keeping them in second place in the Western Conference, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-8). With Thompson in the starting lineup, the Rockets have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and are currently on a nine-game winning streak in their last 11 games.

Houston’s dominance is now drawing attention, as they continue to exceed expectations and show their strength, especially on the road.


Impact on the NBA Playoff Race

With the Rockets continuing to rise, the team is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Western Conference. Their success in defeating top teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers signals that Houston is capable of making noise in the postseason if they keep this momentum going. Thompson’s growth as a player is undoubtedly a major factor in their success, and Rockets fans are optimistic about what the future holds.


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