BOSTON (AP) — The Houston Rockets pulled off what many are calling one of the most significant upsets of the NBA season, edging out the Boston Celtics 114-112 on Monday night, just two weeks after suffering a significant loss to the same team. The Rockets have been on quite the roll lately, having knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers twice before making their way to Boston. This most recent victory puts them in the spotlight, demonstrating how the team is more than just another middle-tier squad.
"We’re over halfway through now and our record is what it is, so it’s not just a fluke or anything," said Houston coach Ime Udoka. "People watch film and see the physicality and the way we play; it’s different from the rest of the league, maybe catching people off guard initially, but I wouldn’t say we’re sneaking up on anybody anymore at this point of the season." The Rockets, now boasting a record of 31-14, have won nine of their last eleven games, making them the second-best team in the Western Conference.
Much of the Rockets’ success can be attributed to their balance and teamwork. Rookie Amen Thompson was the standout player of the night, scoring 33 points, including the game-winning floater with only 0.7 seconds on the clock. "That was my first game-winner! I feel like Kobe," Thompson exclaimed. Dillon Brooks also had quite the night, putting up 36 points and shooting 10 of 15 from the three-point line, providing offensive support for the team. They played with confidence and poise, taking advantage of the Celtics' defensive lapses.
On the opposite side of the court, the Celtics, who came to this match with the hope to maintain their lead, faltered down the stretch during the fourth quarter. After leading by 12 points with just over eight minutes remaining, they collapsed, scoring only four times out of their last 14 attempts. Head coach Joe Mazzulla stated, "Those last two plays were on me. Those are my fault. I didn’t put us in the best matchups... It’s tough because I thought our guys did everything to win the game, and they put us in position to win it, and I didn’t help them at the end." This loss marks Boston's ninth game of the season where they have blown fourth-quarter leads, matching last year's total through the entire season.
Boston forward Jayson Tatum, who managed to tie the game with just over five seconds left, has had his fair share of ups and downs lately, finishing the game with 19 points after being scoreless at the half. Despite Tatum’s efforts, the late-game breakdowns overshadowed the Celtics’ potential victory. "We don’t like to lose at home, especially to the Celtics," Thompson added, showcasing the determination and hunger within the Rockets locker room. The Rockets executed back-to-back plays flawlessly, which saw them capitalize on the Celtics’ defensive miscommunication – something the Boston coach felt lacked proper execution and strategy.
The Rockets’ victory also reflects their growing confidence as they take on top-tier teams, with Udoka noting, "Playing some of the top teams obviously gives us some confidence." Meanwhile, they are also aware of the challenges and understand the importance of building on their success moving forward. The Rockets face the Atlanta Hawks next and hope to continue their winning streak.
Notably, this game unveiled issues within the Celtics' defensive structure which, according to Kornet, was partly influenced by timing and adjustments during the game. "It was kind of hard to say exactly with just the timing of it and trying to make it happen; it just didn’t play out well and it was unfortunate," Kornet expressed about their last defensive issues.
This closegame not only shocked fans but has also set the stage for inevitable scrutiny concerning the Celtics’ ability to maintain composure under pressure. The defending champions maintain the NBA's third-best record at 32-15, but with 35 games remaining, they have the opportunity to address these hiccups following this close call.
Both teams will use this encounter as breathing room for much-needed adjustments and life lessons as they proceed through this season. With the Celtics regrouping and the Rockets surging, NBA fans should keep their eyes peeled for what’s next!