BOSTON (AP) — The Houston Rockets have been one of many NBA’s extra stunning groups this season. After their previous three video games, they shouldn’t shock anybody.
The Rockets beat the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers twice final week earlier than touring to Boston and pulling out a 114-112 victory over the defending champion Celtics on Monday night time.
“We’re over midway by way of now and our document is what it’s, so it’s not only a fluke or something,” Houston coach Ime Udoka mentioned. “Individuals watch movie and see the physicality and the way in which that we play, it’s slightly completely different than the remainder of the league, possibly that catches folks off guard initially, however I wouldn’t say we’re sneaking up on anyone anymore at this level within the season.”
Houston (31-14), which is second within the Western Convention, posted its ninth win in 11 video games on Monday. Its document is a number of proportion factors higher than that of the defending NBA champion Celtics (32-15).
The Cavs and Celtics have been a mixed 104-28 (.788) coming into their video games in opposition to Houston. The Rockets turned the primary group in NBA historical past to win three straight video games in opposition to groups with that prime of a profitable proportion, with a minimal of 40 video games for every opponent, according to OptaSTATS.
Amen Thompson hit a floater over Jaylen Brown with 0.7 seconds left to present the Rockets the victory at Boston.
“We really feel like we will beat anyone, and this highway journey is absolutely proving that,” Thompson mentioned.
Led by a balanced lineup that includes Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, veteran Fred VanVleet, Thompson and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets have been rolling since their 23-point home loss to the Celtics on Jan. 3.
“We don’t wish to lose at residence, particularly to the Celtics,” Thompson mentioned. “We simply are available right here day by day and we simply attempt to win.”
Groups across the league are taking discover of what Houston is doing. After the Cavaliers finished off their 19-point home win over Detroit on Monday, they frolicked within the postgame locker room watching the Rockets’ victory.
“We’re simply enjoying arduous, enjoying collectively,” mentioned Brooks, who completed with a 36 factors in opposition to Boston, together with a 10-of-15 efficiency from 3-point vary.
“We’ve belief in each other,” Brooks mentioned.
The Rockets are lots assured, however they perceive huge wins imply nothing if they can not observe them up. They’ll get that likelihood Tuesday night time after they play at Atlanta.
“Taking part in a few of the prime groups clearly offers us some confidence,” Udoka mentioned.
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AP freelancer Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed to this report.
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Ken Powtak, The Related Press