The Athletic: How Amen Thompson has become the Rockets' floor raiser with his energy and athleticism
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HOUSTON — With Amen Thompson, the game can change in an instant.
His athletic prowess and defensive skills are legendary, but it's not always easy to predict when he'll make his move. Thompson doesn't need the ball to strike fear into the hearts of defenders. Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka rarely designs plays to showcase his point guard's brilliance. Yet, Thompson's impact on the Rockets, who improved to 14-5 after a 121-95 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, is invaluable.
While Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun are the All-Stars raising the ceiling, Thompson is the key factor raising the floor, ensuring the team stays true to its core principles.
Despite a strong start, the Rockets struggled for much of Wednesday night, with low energy and a sluggish defense. The Kings took advantage, leading 52-51 at halftime. But then Thompson took center stage.
In the third quarter, with the Rockets trailing 63-59, Thompson showcased his unique ability to turn the tide. He snatched a rebound, raced up the court, and delivered a no-look pass to Durant, who finished with a layup. Thompson then dove for a loose ball, igniting another fast break, which he finished with a two-hand dunk.
These plays ignited a 19-3 run, putting the Rockets ahead by double digits. Thompson's energy and pace changed the game, and the team never looked back.
Many teams might have struggled with the lackadaisical effort in the first half, but Thompson's unique ability to ignite his team is what got Houston back on track. His willingness to make plays that often go unnoticed is part of his greatness.
"When he can get it off the glass and push and make those spectacular plays above the rim, especially at home, the crowd feeds off it. We feed off it," Durant said. "That’s a huge responsibility to be the energy provider and always be on point. Those plays when he can push in transition, grab a rebound, finish, catch a lob (or) block a shot, those things add to our group."
Thompson finished the game with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, but his impact goes beyond the stats. It's his speed and aggression that make a difference.
The Rockets excel when they play a methodical style, but Thompson brings a change of pace that keeps defenses guessing. This allows his team to create easy shots without relying heavily on Durant and Sengun. When Thompson's energy is up, it inspires everyone around him to match his intensity.
"He’s a one-man fast break. He plays a little bit different than the rest of the guys, and sometimes they have to keep up, but he puts so much pressure on the rim and attracts so much attention in a different way that (he creates) a lot of opportunities for kickouts or offensive rebounds," Udoka said. "It’s very important what he does. We love him to rebound and push and give us that added dimension."
As Thompson gains experience in his third season as a pro, he's developing a clearer understanding of his impact on games. He's learning how to apply his energy in ways that benefit his team.
On Wednesday night, Thompson focused on attacking defensive boards to ignite transition plays that turned the game around in the third quarter. His athleticism allows him to impact the game in various ways, from rebounding to scoring in transition, one-on-one defense, and his telepathic connection with Sengun.
One area of improvement is knowing when to rely on his athleticism and when to use it as a threat to create for others. This is evident when he attacks defenders in transition, leaving them in the dust.
With Durant on his team, Thompson is always looking to create easy buckets for one of the NBA's top scorers. They know that Durant's success can lead to his own breakout moments.
As Thompson continues to grow as a player, he's learning what sets him apart. He's developing the ability to create open looks for others, a sign that his mind is catching up with his athletic feats. This is a crucial aspect of being a great point guard, and Thompson is working towards that goal.
"He’s handling the ball more now. He understands the game better every day. He sees the court better," Sengun said. "Since the first day he came here, we all saw the vision he has and the passing ability. He’s just putting in the work like the rest of us do to get better. He’s a winning player. … He’s an amazing player."
Amen Thompson is a key player for the Houston Rockets, and his impact on the team's success is undeniable.
