After his first “Game Winner”, Amen Thompson “felt like Kobe”

We do not know if the spirit of Kobe Bryant watches over the NBA just over five years after his disappearance. But it is as if her aura had hovered a little on TD Garden on Monday evening, and more precisely on Amen Thompson.

The Rockets winger has delivered a very big match, as often lately, to bring his family to victory. With the key, the basket of the winning less than a second from the end, as the “Black Mamba” liked to do so. Insoucant, he saw himself in the costume of the ancient glory of the Lakers.

With five seconds to play and the score at 112 everywhere, the ball arrives in the hands of the Sophomore, facing the circle behind the 3-point line, with Jaylen Brown (late after a disagreement with Luke Kornet on defensive duels, etc.) facing him. “” I just wanted to go to the circle, Brown prevented me, so I released my 'Euro-Floater' Described Amen Thompson in a laugh. Rather than rushing down, he preferred to shift his supports to re-ax and finish his prayer with a small shot while touching Jaylen Brown in the wind. “” This is my first “Game Winner” in the NBA, I feel like Kobe! »»

Before we Leave for the Night – Here Are Some More Looks at Amen Thompson's Game Winner at Boston#Rockets Win 114-112@HOYONTONROCKETS Back in Action Tomorrow at Atlanta#Liftoff pic.twitter.com/crttq7hamv

– Space City Home Network (@Spacecityhn) January 28, 2025

A system designed for him

The sign of the confidence carried by Houston in his young 21 -year -old in full swing. “” Coach Udoka didn't say anything special, he just drew the system for me and I said to myself: 'Oh shit, ok I manage' “He detailed after the meeting. The Celtics have chosen to stay as a man and were punished.

“” I knew I was going to shoot anyway to be honest. “” ” Even when you put physical defenders on him, he always has the advantage by his handling of the ball and his ability to go to the circle »For his part analyzed IME UDOKA at a press conference. “” He can face just about any opposition. »»

This shot punctuates an almost perfect evening (33 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), started foot at the floor with 14 points in the first quarter alone and a high-level defense on Jayson Tatum, limited to 19 points at 5/ 14. The All-Star of the Celtics was even blocked without the slightest point at the break!

Aggressive towards the circle, still as amazing athletic to seek certain rebounds in very high altitude, Amen Thompson thus made the total in Boston. Especially since before his last basket, he had already put his own in front of two points a minute from the end on a very complicated Fadeaway.

12-3 for the Rockets with Thompson in the starting five

“” He learns about the heap “Continued Ime Udoka. “” He had already shown scraps of all this last season when he had returned from injury and had started the last 18 games in the absence of Alperen. Maybe others are surprised, but I think anyone who has observed us knows what he is able to do. He simply has the opportunity to show it even more with his minutes which increase in a holder role. »»

With Amen Thompson in the starting five, the Rockets borders on the irresistible with a balance sheet of 12 wins for 3 defeats and several brand successes: twice against Cleveland and Memphis, in Denver, or against the two franchises in Los Angeles. And Houston, despite the injury loss of Jabari Smith JR remains on nine victories in the last eleven games, from a scathing slap given by … the Celtics.

“” We feel very good, as if we could beat anyone Advanced Amen Thompson. “” This series outside in Cleveland and Boston really proved it. We don't like to lose at home, especially against Celtics. We just try to come to the field every day to win. »»

Amen Thompson does in any case everything for, with a second record in a career broken in rank and averages worthy of a star these last five games: 21.8 points at 58.9%, 11 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.2 interceptions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okiem2rkl

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.