The Houston Rockets are solidifying their status as bonafide contenders in the Western Conference by picking up their 31st win of the season. They defeated the reigning champions Boston Celtics 114-112 in a closely-fought contest sealed by sophomore Amen Thompson at the buzzer.
AMEN THOMPSON WINS IT FOR THE ROCKETS IN THE FINAL SECONDS 🚨🚨
ROCKETS MOVE TO 12-3 WITH AMEN IN THE STARTING LINEUP THIS SEASON! pic.twitter.com/v77x2RHkV2
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
Thompson ended the night with 33 points (13-19 FG) and nine rebounds. He gave a spirited post-game interview where he reacted to his career’s first game-winner by comparing himself to Kobe Bryant.
“That’s my first game-winner. I feel like Kobe.”
"That's my first game-winner. I feel like Kobe."
Amen Thompson after beating Boston 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KvWZaEJsZM
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 28, 2025
This was a night that officially solidified Thompson’s place as a starter for the Rockets, with the franchise improving to 12-3 in games where he starts. He is someone who can defend all five positions although his overall offensive game is still developing. He’s a poor shooter but his intensity, athleticism, and strength have allowed him to be an impactful player on both ends of the court.
Amen’s emergence as a potential future superstar bodes well for the Rockets, who will ensure that the guard/forward hybrid gets as many chances to succeed as possible now that he’s on the roster. The Rockets play a team-oriented style, which will work well for Amen going forward, as he can pick his spots perfectly.
He’s averaging 13.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season, but his numbers increase as a starter, as he averages 18.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 15 games.
This win improves the Rockets’ record to 31-14 with the team on a 50+ win pace that can’t be disputed anymore. They could be legitimate contenders this season provided they work out the slight chinks in their overall offense. But if players like Amen can have nights like these while Dillon Brooks knocks down almost every shot he can, the Rockets will be impossible to defeat.
Their late-game offensive execution has hurt them at times this season, so executing against the Boston Celtics will give the group a lot of confidence. Hopefully, they can keep this energy going into the All-Star break and beyond to be major contenders in their first Playoff appearance since 2020.
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