Rockets' Amen Thompson tips in game-winner vs. Heat

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In a thrilling finish, Houston Rockets rookie guard Amen Thompson tipped in a missed shot by teammate Kevin Durant at the buzzer to give the Rockets a narrow victory over the Miami Heat. Thompson's game-winning tip-in capped off a historic night for Durant, who earlier in the game passed Michael Jordan on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Why it matters

The Rockets' win over the Heat was a marquee matchup between two of the Eastern and Western Conference contenders. Thompson's heroics at the end showcased the young guard's potential and ability to make winning plays, while Durant's scoring milestone underscored his sustained excellence over his NBA career.

The details

With the game tied in the final seconds, the Rockets put the ball in the hands of Durant, who missed a floater as time expired. However, the 6'7" Thompson soared in to tip the ball in at the buzzer, giving Houston the dramatic victory. Thompson finished the game with a career-high 18 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end.

• The game-winning tip-in occurred as time expired in the fourth quarter on March 22, 2026.
• Earlier in the game, Durant passed Michael Jordan on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

What’s next

The Rockets' victory over the Heat sets up a potential playoff matchup between the two teams later in the season.