The NBA delivered another unforgettable night of action as Amen Thompson’s last-second heroics led the Houston Rockets to a stunning 114-112 victory over the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis continued his dominant form for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Chicago Bulls overcame a Nikola Jokic triple-double to defeat the Denver Nuggets. Here’s a full breakdown of Monday night’s thrilling games.
Amen Thompson Leads Rockets to Upset Over Celtics
Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson stole the spotlight with a career-defining performance, sinking a game-winning layup with 1.3 seconds left to defeat the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics. The 21-year-old guard recorded a career-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, solidifying his place as one of the brightest young stars in the league.
The Rockets started strong, building an early 11-point lead before the Celtics clawed back to take a 12-point advantage in the fourth quarter. However, the Rockets fought back with a 13-0 run sparked by Dillon Brooks, who finished with 36 points, including a clutch three-pointer. Thompson’s late-game brilliance sealed the victory, capping off Houston’s third consecutive win against Eastern Conference powerhouses, following two wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers last week.
Amen Thompson RAISED THE BAR once again for the Rockets!
33 PTS (career-high)
9 REB
4 ASTIt’s his 2nd straight game with a new career-high and it comes with the GAME-WINNING bucket pic.twitter.com/2hWHJupP0L
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
The Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown with 28 points, while Jayson Tatum added 19 points—all scored in the second half. Despite their late surge, Boston couldn’t close the deal, marking their second straight loss in what has been an up-and-down season.
After the game, Thompson shared his excitement about his first career game-winner: “That felt great. That’s my first game-winner. I feel like Kobe!”
Anthony Davis Dominates as Lakers Extend Win Streak
Anthony Davis delivered a monster performance to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-107 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Davis was unstoppable, posting 42 points, 23 rebounds, and setting the tone with 21 points in the first quarter alone. His early dominance allowed the Lakers to build a 23-point lead, which they managed to maintain despite a late push from the Hornets.
“Teammates did their job setting me up,” Davis said after the game. “It’s the way we’ve been playing—moving the basketball and playing for each other.”
LeBron James added 22 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves chipped in with 17 points. The victory marked the Lakers’ fourth straight win, pushing them further up the Western Conference standings.
MONDAY’S FINAL SCORES
Anthony Davis records the 5th 40-20 game of his career to lead the @Lakers to their 4th straight win!
LeBron James: 22 PTS, 7 REB, 8 AST
Austin Reaves: 17 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL pic.twitter.com/7WpgSnxKmB— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
For the Hornets, Miles Bridges scored 26 points, but the team was hampered by the loss of LaMelo Ball, who exited in the first half with an ankle injury. The Hornets’ struggles continued, as they failed to find a rhythm without their star guard.
Miami Heat Triumph in Double Overtime Amid Butler Drama
The Miami Heat overcame off-court drama to defeat the Orlando Magic 125-119 in a double-overtime thriller. Tyler Herro led the way with 30 points and 12 assists, while Bam Adebayo added 26 points. Six Heat players scored in double figures, demonstrating a balanced offensive effort.
The victory came amid controversy surrounding Jimmy Butler, who was suspended for the third time this month after reportedly walking out of a morning shoot-around. Despite the distractions, Miami stayed focused and held off the Magic’s determined effort.
Orlando pushed the game to two overtimes, but the Heat’s depth and composure prevailed. The win showcased Miami’s ability to weather adversity and maintain their playoff ambitions.
Knicks End Grizzlies’ Winning Streak
The New York Knicks snapped the Memphis Grizzlies’ six-game winning streak in emphatic fashion with a 143-106 blowout at Madison Square Garden. Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 28 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knicks’ high-octane offense was on full display, as they scored 143 points for the second consecutive game. Their defense also shined, holding Memphis star Ja Morant to just 10 points. The dominant win extended New York’s own winning streak to four games, boosting their confidence as they continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Bulls Outshine Nuggets Despite Jokic’s Triple-Double
The Chicago Bulls managed to outlast the Denver Nuggets 129-121, overcoming a sensational performance from reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. The Serbian star recorded a 33-point triple-double, adding 10 rebounds and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Bulls.
Chicago relied on their sharpshooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 24 of 53 three-point attempts. Zach LaVine scored 21 points, while Nikola Vucevic added 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. The Bulls opened the fourth quarter with a decisive 13-0 run, taking control of the game and securing the win.
Denver, despite Jokic’s brilliance, struggled to contain Chicago’s perimeter attack and failed to respond in the final minutes. The loss highlighted the Nuggets’ need for more defensive consistency as they aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference.
Other Notable Results
- Cavaliers End Losing Streak: Cleveland snapped their first three-game skid of the season with a commanding 110-91 win over the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs showcased their defensive strength and offensive efficiency to return to winning ways.
- Heat Balance Drama and Victory: Despite ongoing issues with Jimmy Butler, Miami’s depth and leadership shined through in their double-overtime win against the Magic.
- Hornets Lose Ball to Injury: Charlotte’s loss to the Lakers was compounded by the early exit of LaMelo Ball, whose ankle injury adds uncertainty to the team’s season.
Looking Ahead
Monday night’s games offered thrilling finishes and standout performances from rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. As the playoff race intensifies, teams like the Rockets and Lakers continue to build momentum, while others like the Celtics and Hornets face pressing challenges. With each game carrying heightened stakes, NBA fans can expect more unforgettable moments in the weeks to come.
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