Celtics vs Rockets HIGHLIGHTS: Watch how the last two minutes unfolded in crazy game
THE Boston Celtics rallied to erase a 26-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 99-98 in a game that ended in controversy.
Ending of Rockets-Celtics was INSANE ?????? pic.twitter.com/2fEH553VP5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2017
Houston were up 62-38 at half-time with Boston having one of their worst first half performances of the season.
But Boston put together a huge third quarter run led by Marcus Smart’s defence with Kyrie Irving providing the scoring touch.
The TD Garden noise levels reached fever pitch in the fourth quarter as it became clear an unbelievable comeback could be on the cards.
Houston were missing several clean looks at the basket while Boston hustled their way back into the game.
The Boston Celtics celebrated a famous comeback win over the Houston Rockets
Still, with 11.6 seconds on the clock, the Rockets were up by three. Jason Tatum cut the lead to one after slamming home a dunk.
And then it went crazy. James Harden was called for an offensive foul on Marcus smart at the inbound giving Boston a chance to take the lead for the first time in the night.
Al Horford duly delivered with a hook shot and Harden, clearly riled by the decision seconds earlier, fell for the same trick from Smart again and drew the charge.
James Harden was called for two offensive fouls on Marcus Smart in the final seconds
Harden was despondent in his post-match interview and vented about the fact there was only two officials for the game.
"Well, first of all, I'm wondering how do you only have two officials on a national TV game? That's the first question," Harden said.