Boston nearly pulled off a great win, but fell for the seventh time this season after leading by at least 10 points.

It wasn’t enough to power the Celtics past the red-hot Rockets ... that’s big time. And Luke was great.” Kornet wasn’t afraid to battle down low against Houston’s physical defense.

When Boston needed a stop, the calls the Celtics coach made proved disastrous, and afterward took responsibility for the loss: "I didn't help them close it at the end."

Joe Mazzulla took the blame for the late-game miscues, saying he put his players in poor position but it was evident that Horford’s absence proved costly in that spot since Kornet has not played in crunch time for much of the season.

Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) goes up for a shot as Boston Celtics' Derrick White (9) and Luke Kornet defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP

Just before the Rockets inbounded the ball, Brown and Kornet played hot ... better and more prepared on Houston's last possession. "They were trying to go at Luke. I should have sniffed it out ...

Amen Thompson had the clutch go-ahead bucket and Dillon Brooks made a franchise record-tying 10 3-pointers in the Rockets' win over the Celtics on Monday.

Those last two plays are on me. Those are my fault.” Joe Mazzulla pointed the finger at himself after the Celtics dropped a 114-112 thriller to the Rockets on Monday night.

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

The Celtics expected to be down two rotation players in their matchup with the Rockets. Minutes before tipoff, they learned they’d actually be missing three.

Miscommunication cost the Celtics in the closing seconds of their loss to the Rockets. Eddie House details what he saw on Houston's final possessions.