Going into the season, Luke Kornet’s role within the Boston Celtics’ rotation was unclear. However, more than halfway into the season, Kornet has become a mainstay in the Celtics’ rotation and has proven to be an integral part of Boston’s success.

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown explains the what went wrong defensively to allow Amen Thompson and the Houston Rockets a win at the buzzer

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 Bo

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.

Ime Udoka's Rockets were effective in limiting Tatum in the Celtics' loss Monday, but Joe Mazzulla's team adjusted and thrived in beating the Bulls.