The Celtics accomplished that, holding the Rockets’ top three leading scorers to 30 total points on 9-of-32 shooting (3-for-14 on 3-pointers). But their decision to force Houston to play through Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson backfired.

The Celtics fell apart defensively on the final two possessions as Dillon Brooks and the Rockets claimed a 114-112 victory.

Kristaps Porzingis was whistled for a technical foul after bumping Rockets guard Dillon Brooks in the first quarter on Monday night. Ultimately, it was Brooks that got the last laugh though in a 114-112 comeback win over the Celtics at TD Garden.

While Amen Thompson played hero with his game-winner that capped off a 33-point night for the second-year pro, the Rockets cannot forget the impact Dillon Brooks had on the game.

The Boston Celtics' rocky midseason stretch continued on Monday with a last-second loss to the Houston Rockets, who got 10 3-pointers from Dillon Brooks and a game-winner from Amen Thompson. With that latest defeat,

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks is known for his ability to irritate opponents. Doing this regularly during his six seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks led the NBA with 18 technical fouls during the 2022-23 season ( via Fox Sports ).

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the rest of the Celtics were surprised by the 3-point barrage from Rockets forward Dillon Brooks.

The Houston Rockets have been one of the NBA’s more surprising teams this season. After their past three games, they shouldn’t shock anyone.

Meanwhile, Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama has been chosen for his first NBA All-Star Game as one of seven reserves from the Western Conference. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Memphis Grizzlies (31-16) are hosting the Houston Rockets (32-14) on Thursday night; the date, time, TV channels, and free live stream.

Amen Thompson looks like a clear star in the making, despite a shaky jumper. Here's how he might reach his ceiling anyway.