"Feel like Kobe" - Houston Rockets' $40,008,489 breakout star channels inner 'Black Mamba' after game-winner over Boston Celtics

The Houston Rockets outlasted the Boston Celtics 114-112 at the TD Garden on Monday night, with Amen Thompson scoring the game-winner. Thompson had another fantastic outing to help the Rockets earn their 31st win of the campaign while handing the Celtics their 15th defeat.

Speaking to Space City Home Network's Vanessa Richardson, Thompson was asked about his reaction to his game-winning floater. The $40 million man knew it was good after letting go of the ball, making him feel like he was Kobe Bryant.

"That felt great," Thompson said. "I knew it was in, for real. That's my first game-winner. I feel like Kobe."

Amen Thompson finished the game with 33 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Dillon Books was also fantastic for the Houston Rockets, contributing 36 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 10 3-point shots. Alperen Sengun added 11 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown went head-to-head with Thompson, putting up 28 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jayson Tatum, meanwhile, had a quiet night of 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Payton Pritchard scored 15 points off the bench.

With the game tied at 112, the Rockets had possession with 4.3 seconds remaining in regulation. Fred VanVleet inbounded the ball and passed it to Thomspon. He was being guarded by Brown, who's one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

Thompson drove to the basket and gave Brown a little nudge to free himself up to drill a floater with 0.7 seconds remaining. The Celtics didn't have a timeout, with Pritchard missing the Hail Mary shot from way downtown at the buzzer.

The Houston Rockets are now 12-3 with Amen Thompson in the starting lineup. Coach Ime Udoka has a tough decision to make once Jabari Smith Jr. returns from his hand injury. Thompson has been a difference-maker for Houston this season and could be a franchise player if he keeps it up.

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Former NBA Coach of the Year compares Houston Rockets star to Dennis Rodman

Former NBA Coach of the Year compares Houston Rockets star to Dennis Rodman. (Photo: IMAGN)

Amen Thompson has been the X-factor for the Houston Rockets this season and is one of the reasons why they are second in the Western Conference. Thompson received praise from former NBA Coach of the Year and current NBA TV analyst Sam Mitchell.

Mitchell compared Thompson with Dennis Rodman, who's one of the greatest rebounders and defenders in history, but with offense.

"He's Dennis Rodman with offense," Mitchell said. "When you look at his defense, he can guard everybody, he picks up 94 feet when he guards the guard, and then the fact that he can score. He's not a great shooter, but he's so active."

Thompson's offense is not yet polished because he's still not a great shooter. But he can score in different ways attacking the basket and getting into the free throw line.