Rookie Amen Thompson registered a career high on Tuesday, helping lead the Houston Rockets to their sixth consecutive win to maintain ground in the playoff race.
Thompson produced 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot in a 137-114 win over the Washington Wizards. He finished 10-of-12 from the field in 32 minutes for his eighth double-double of the season.
The fourth pick recorded his third 20-point game, topping his previous career high of 22 points set Feb. 22. He is one of five rookies to record at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in a game this season.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka liked his overall activity on the court.
When they go zone, he is really good in the middle: He can pass it or one dribble, he is right at the rim. He did a good job there. The activity was great. I felt him on the offensive glass, kind of cleaning everything up when we had some lulls early. … He has been great in the pocket, setting screens and rolling. He is so athletic; he can catch it in there and make a play and be right at the rim.
With the victory, the Rockets pulled to within 2 1/2 games of the Golden State Warriors in 10th place in the Western Conference. They have 14 games left in the regular season, including a key home matchup against the Warriors on April 4.
Amen Thompson was unstoppable in a CAREER night 🤩
📊 25 PTS (career-high) | 10-12 FG | 10 REB pic.twitter.com/dzG4iba6dN
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 20, 2024
Thompson, who has started the last four games, is averaging 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals on 53.9% shooting from the field in 49 games. He is 14th in scoring and tied for third in double-doubles among first-year players.
He has had several key performances this season for the Rockets and has scored in double figures in five of his last six games. He appears to be heating up at the right moment for the team as they look to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Thompson may not finish the year with any hardware as one of the top rookies, but the 21-year-old looks to be a core player for the team this year and beyond.
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