Amen Thompson sank a game-winning floater with 1.3 seconds left to seal a thrilling 114-112 victory for the Houston Rockets over the short-handed Boston Celtics on Monday night. Thompson capped his career night with 33 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, lifting the Rockets in coach Ime Udoka’s return to Boston, where he coached during the 2021-22 season.
Dillon Brooks contributed 36 points, hitting a career-high 10 three-pointers, as the Rockets rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Celtics, playing without key contributors Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Al Horford, were led by Jaylen Brown’s 28 points. Payton Pritchard had a chance to win the game for Boston, but his full-court heave at the buzzer hit the top of the backboard.
Lakers Edge Hornets Behind Davis’ Dominance
Anthony Davis delivered a season-high 42 points and 23 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112-107. LeBron James added 22 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, extending the Lakers’ winning streak to four games.
Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 26 points and eight rebounds, but the Hornets were dealt a blow when LaMelo Ball exited in the second quarter with an ankle sprain, scoring only seven points in nine minutes.
Heat Survive Double-OT Thriller Against Magic
Tyler Herro’s 30 points and season-high 12 assists powered the Miami Heat to a 125-119 double-overtime victory over the Orlando Magic. Bam Adebayo chipped in 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists for the Heat, who played without Jimmy Butler due to an indefinite suspension.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points and forced overtime with a clutch shot late in regulation.
Kings’ Big Third Quarter Sinks Nets
De’Aaron Fox scored 30 points, including 16 in the third quarter, as the Sacramento Kings rallied to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 110-96. Domantas Sabonis posted his seventh triple-double of the season with 21 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Brooklyn’s losing streak extended to seven games as D’Angelo Russell led the Nets with 19 points.
Knicks Rout Grizzlies with Team Effort
The New York Knicks delivered their most decisive win of the season, thrashing the Memphis Grizzlies 143-106. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his 37th double-double of the season with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points for the Grizzlies, whose six-game winning streak came to an end.
Other Results:
- Raptors 113, Pelicans 104: Jakob Poeltl dominated with 21 points and 14 rebounds as Toronto stretched its winning streak to four. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 31 points.
- Bucks 125, Jazz 110: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard both scored 35 points as Milwaukee overpowered Utah.
- Suns 111, Clippers 109: Devin Booker’s 26 points helped Phoenix hold off Los Angeles’ late rally.
Mavericks 130, Wizards 108: Klay Thompson hit seven threes in the first quarter as Dallas handed Washington its 14th consecutive loss.
