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

The Boston Celtics lost in the final moments of the game as a Amen Thompson buzzer-beater lifted the Houston Rockets to a 114-112 victory

Amen Thompson hit a game-winning floater with 0.7 seconds left and finished with 33 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 114-112 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

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 ...

Luke Kornet had 18 and Kristaps Porzingis scored ... with 0.7 seconds left and finished with 33 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 114-112 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

Dillon Brooks shot 10 of 15 from 3-point range and led Houston with ... first half. Luke Kornet had 18 and Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 to go with eight rebounds. Rockets leading scorer Jalen ...

This was a terrific showing for Kornet as he picked up the start with Derrick White (leg) unavailable. Al Horford (toe) was expected to play, but was ultimately a late scratch that went unreported by Boston. Kornet has fared well as a fill-in starter this season, averaging 11.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.3 blocks in six games.

Boston has lost nine games this season where it had the lead in the fourth quarter (which equals last year's mark in half the games).