Tag: Amen Thompson

Thompson twins react to first NBA meeting as Rockets rout Pistons

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson set NBA career-highs in points (12) and assists (6) in Monday’s showdown versus Detroit and his twin brother, Ausar Thompson.

HOUSTON — Over the course of an 82-game regular season, some matchups have more significance to NBA players than others.

For Houston’s Amen Thompson and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, Monday’s game at Toyota Center between the Rockets and Pistons was clearly one of those. It was the first time the highly touted rookies — each drafted in the top five of the 2023 first round — played against one another at a professional level.

The teams leaned into the theme, as well. Many fans received a special “Twins Night” bobblehead of both players. The same dual bobblehead will be given to fans in Detroit on Jan. 12, which is when the Rockets will pay the Pistons a return visit.

The Thompson twins were initially scheduled to face one another in the NBA’s 2023 summer league, but Amen’s ankle sprain prevented the head-to-head matchup at that time. Thus, Monday’s regular-season game on New Year’s Day was their first meeting.

Here’s our look at Monday’s Thompson-related activities, including statistics, interviews, observations, and reaction from both twins. Houston’s Thompson played a supporting role in his team’s blowout victory and recorded career-high totals in multiple categories.

Takeaways: Rockets blast Pistons as Alperen Sengun leads third-quarter explosion

Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green led the way with a dominant 47-25 third quarter, and that allowed Houston to cruise to Monday’s victory versus Detroit.

HOUSTON — At the midpoint of a seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, at Toyota Center, Alperen Sengun and the Rockets (16-15) finally returned to their winning ways with Monday’s 136-113 blowout victory (box score) over the lowly Detroit Pistons (3-30).

After leading by only four points at halftime, the Rockets blew the game open with a dominant 47-25 third quarter and ended a three-game losing streak. A fourth foul on Detroit’s Jalen Duren (12 points, 13 rebounds in 22 minutes) proved critical. Sengun quickly feasted against backup center James Wiseman.

In all, Sengun needed only 27 minutes to record a team-high 26 points and 9 assists. He shot 9-of-13 from the field (69.2%) and 8-of-9 on free throws (88.9%). Many of those assists went to fellow third-year prospect Jalen Green, who scored 22 points while making 5-of-9 from 3-point range (55.6%).

Other Houston players to score in double figures were:

  • Fred VanVleet: 15 points, 7 assists, 0 turnovers; 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%), 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jae’Sean Tate: 16 points, 3 rebounds; 6-of-10 shooting (50%)
  • Tari Eason: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%)

On a themed “Twin Night” at Toyota Center, Monday’s New Year’s Day clash was the first NBA meeting between Houston’s Amen Thompson and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, his twin brother. Both rookies were drafted in the top five of the 2023 first round, and Amen had one of his strongest games yet — finishing with a career-high 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in 28 minutes. Thompson made 5-of-6 shots (83.3%), including his lone 3-point attempt.

Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) again sat out for the Rockets, while Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) returned from injury to add 9 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes, shooting 3-of-4 from 3-point range (75.0%). Brooks remains day-to-day.

Here’s our look at Monday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and joyous fans. As Houston’s seven-game homestand continues, Game 5 comes Wednesday versus the Brooklyn Nets (15-18). The tip is at 7 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Alperen Sengun bounces back with huge night as Rockets blast short-handed Mavs

After hearing criticism from Ime Udoka earlier in the week, Alperen Sengun responded with one of his best career games as Houston routed short-handed Dallas.

After hearing some postgame criticism from head coach Ime Udoka following Wednesday’s loss, third-year Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun immediately bounced back with one of his best career games in Friday’s 122-96 rout of Dallas (box score).

The Mavericks (16-12) were short-handed, with superstar guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both sidelined by injury. But it was a needed win for the host Rockets (14-12), who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the 12th time in 13 games at Toyota Center.

Sengun finished with a team-high 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets in under 25 minutes played, making 8-of-12 shots (66.7%), 1-of-1 from 3-point range, and a perfect 5-of-5 on free throws.

Other noteworthy Rockets performances included:

  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 21 points, 8 rebounds; 8-of-13 shooting (61.5%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80.0%)
  • Jalen Green: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; 5-of-14 shooting (35.7%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%), 4-of-4 on free throws
  • Cam Whitmore: 14 points, rebounds, 2 steals in 14 minutes; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%)
  • Amen Thompson: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%)

Whitmore was recalled from the NBA G League earlier in the day. He and fellow rookie Amen Thompson, both drafted in the 2023 first round, each played the entire fourth quarter after Houston grabbed a massive third-quarter lead that ballooned to as large as 38 points.

With Doncic and Irving out, the Mavs were led by 16 points from veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. — who was held to just 6-of-20 shooting (30.0%) and 2-of-8 from 3-point range (25.0%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is night two of a back-to-back on Saturday night in New Orleans. Tipoff versus the Pelicans (17-12) is at 6:00 p.m. Central.

‘He brought a spark’: Amen Thompson returns to Rockets after 15-game absence

After missing the past 15 games, Amen Thompson returned and showed what he can give the Rockets nightly.

After missing the past 15 games due to an ankle injury, rookie Amen Thompson returned to the court on Monday and showed what he could give the Houston Rockets nightly.

Thompson produced two points, five rebounds and one assist in 10 minutes in the 93-82 win over the San Antonio Spurs. He played in two five-minute stretches in the second and fourth quarters and bolstered the team’s second unit with his energy and effort.

“He was getting his feet wet again getting back in the NBA game after missing all of that time,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “It is going to take some time there, let alone being a rookie. To miss time and do what he did in the G League and our 5-on-5 workouts, he looked good out there. He brought a spark and really pushed the pace.”

Thompson suffered a Grade 2 sprained ankle on Nov. 1 in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Over the last two weeks, he joined the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for two rehab games in the G League.

The fourth pick registered a triple-double in his debut with the Vipers, recording 29 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks on Dec. 6. He followed that up with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists two nights later.

That time in the G League helped prepare him for his return.

“I felt really good,” Thompson said after the win. “In the minutes I got, I felt like the conditioning I did and the time in the G League was really good for me. I was playing like 40 minutes down there.”

Thompson was averaging about 17 minutes per game before the injury. The team will likely ease him back into action and determine where to slot him in the rotation. They believe his conditioning is at a level that he can step in and contribute.

The return of Thompson will give the Rockets another high-level guard who can defend multiple positions and push the pace. He showed glimpses of that ability on Monday, which will be welcomed.

“We encourage all of our guys to do that, let alone him being one of the biggest and most athletic guards and the pace that he plays with,” Udoka said. “He is on another level as far as speed getting up the court and trying to find guys.”

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NBA trade value rankings: Rockets among HoopsHype’s Top 100 players

Rockets players Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Amen Thompson are all listed in HoopsHype’s Top 100 NBA players by trade value.

The eighth edition of HoopsHype’s NBA trade value rankings is here!

To conduct this exercise, HoopsHype staff members evaluated and ranked the top 100 players based on each player’s talent, production levels, past performances, age, availability, the scarcity of their position, their current contract and future prospects.

Here’s where several members of the 2023-24 Houston Rockets ended up, led by Alperen Sengun at No. 23 overall.

Others in the top 100 list were Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson. The complete list is at HoopsHype, while rankings specific to the Rockets are available below.

Commentary and salary analysis is written by HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina and Yossi Gozlan. A detailed breakdown regarding all of Houston’s future salary obligations and contracts is available here.

Rockets recall Amen Thompson from G League; Monday return appears likely

After a pair of rehabilitation starts, the Rockets recalled rookie guard Amen Thompson from the G League. He should be available Monday versus San Antonio.

Rookie guard Amen Thompson appears ready to rejoin the Houston Rockets after two strong games with the G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers, including a 29-point triple-double in his memorable debut. Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, was recalled to the NBA team on Saturday.

That seemingly puts Thompson on course to be available for Houston’s next NBA game, which takes place Monday at home versus San Antonio. The tip at the Toyota Center is 7 p.m. Central. Thompson has missed over five weeks with a Grade 2 sprain of his left ankle

The Rockets’ schedule eases considerably next week: one game against the Spurs (3-18) and a pair versus Memphis (6-15). Two of those three are at home, where Houston (10-9) is 9-1 this season.

Thus, it could be an opportune time to ease Thompson back into the rotation before the schedule stiffens later in the month.

Once he returns, Thompson should help the Rockets fill some of the backup point guard minutes behind Fred VanVleet while bringing considerable length, athleticism and defensive versatility.

Just 20 years old, Thompson had averaged 6.3 points (40.9% FG) and 2.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes to begin his NBA career. His injury occurred in Houston’s fourth regular-season game.

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Rockets’ Amen Thompson drops triple-double on G League assignment

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson registered a triple-double Wednesday on assignment in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson registered a triple-double Wednesday on assignment in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Thompson produced 29 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocked shots in a 128-126 overtime loss on the road to the OKC Blue. He went 12-of-26 from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, in 36 minutes.

The fourth pick recorded the seventh triple-double in the G League this season. He nearly notched it in the first half alone by recording eight points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka was pleased with the performance.

“I was following it as it went, so I saw the stat line and knew he had (eight) rebounds early in the first half but a 29-point triple-double is, obviously, crazy,” Udoka said, via Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire. “He stuffed the stat sheet in a close loss, but 29-16-11 and three steals and two blocks is impressive regardless of where you’re at.”

The contest was the first for Thompson since he suffered a Grade 2 sprained ankle on Nov. 1 in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. He looked to show no lingering effects from the injury or rust during his first action in a competitive setting on the court.

The team plans to keep Thompson with the Vipers for their two-game road trip on Friday and Saturday against the Birmingham Squadron before recalling him to the team. They want to ensure he gets more minutes to get back into a rhythm on the court.

After missing much of the season thus far, Thompson appears close to returning to the court with the Rockets. He certainly didn’t look like a player that missed over a month of action on Wednesday.

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Reaction: Rockets rookie Amen Thompson dazzles in NBA G League debut

In the first game of an NBA G League rehab assignment, Rockets rookie Amen Thompson finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists for the Vipers.

After missing five-plus weeks with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain — suffered in the fourth game of the Rockets’ 2023-24 regular season — rookie guard Amen Thompson finally returned to the court.

Thompson, drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round, began his on-court return process Wednesday with Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers. Thompson has gradually increased his physical workouts in recent weeks, and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had previously indicated that a G League assignment would be part of that buildup process.

Though the Vipers lost Wednesday’s game to the Oklahoma City Blue, 128-126 (box score) in overtime, Thompson made quite an impression. The 6-foot-7 rookie finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, shooting 12-of-26 from the field (46.2%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%), and 2-of-2 on free throws.

Once cleared for NBA games, Thompson could help the Rockets fill backup guard minutes behind Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green while bringing considerable length, athleticism and defensive versatility.

Here’s a sampling of Thompson’s many highlights from Wednesday’s game, along with reaction by fans and analysts across social media.

RGV resumes its G League schedule in Birmingham on Friday and Saturday (schedule), and Thompson appears likely to still be with the team at that time. His potential return to the Rockets, and the NBA, could come next week — when Houston hosts home games on Monday versus San Antonio and Wednesday versus Memphis.

Recap: OKC Blue spoil Amen Thompson’s return with 128-126 OT win over RGV Vipers

Recap: OKC Blue spoil Amen Thompson’s return with 128-126 OT win over RGV Vipers.

Needing to sink all three free throws, Jaden Shackelford sealed the win at the charity stripe.

After nearly blowing a 21-point lead, the G League’s OKC Blue survived the Rio Grand Rapid Vipers, 128-126, in overtime on Wednesday. The home win improved the Blue’s record to 7-4.

The Blue started well, leading 33-21 following the first quarter. By halftime, OKC’s lead increased to 15, 71-56. It appeared the Blue were going to cruise to an easy win, but a 33-point fourth quarter by the Vipers forced OT.

In the G League, overtime is won by a target score of seven points instead of the traditional five-minute period. The Blue won by scoring the final three points at the line after Shackelford was fouled on a 3-point attempt.

The Blue shot 54% from the field and went 11-of-34 (32.4%) from 3. They also went 18-of-23 (78.3%) from the free-throw line. OKC dished 30 assists on 45 made shots but also turned it over a ridiculously high 27 times.

Meanwhile, the Vipers shot 43% from the field and went 16-of-46 (34.8%) from 3. They had 28 assists and 19 steals.

More importantly, this was Amen Thompson’s first game after missing a month with an ankle sprain. In his return, the 2023 No. 4 pick collected a triple-double.

Some notable individual performances for both sides:

  • Ousmane Dieng: 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting, 1-of-7 from 3, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals
  • Keyontae Johnson: 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, seven rebounds
  • Jaden Shackelford: 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, 6-of-13 from 3, eight assists, seven rebounds
  • Caleb McConnell: 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, nine rebounds, three assists
  • Amen Thompson: 29 points on 12-of-26 shooting, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, two blocks
  • Cam Whitmore: 28 points on 10-of-25 shooting, 7-of-14 from 3, three rebounds, four steals
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3, five rebounds, four assists, four steals

The full highlights from the Blue’s two-point OT win over the Houston Rockets‘ G League affiliate can be watched below:

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Rockets rookie Amen Thompson returns from injury with NBA G League assignment

After missing over a month with a Grade 2 ankle sprain, Rockets rookie Amen Thompson is returning to the court with what is effectively a rehab assignment.

After missing more than a month with a Grade 2 sprain to his left ankle, rookie guard Amen Thompson is finally returning to the court.

Thompson, drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round, is beginning his return process with Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers.

Houston announced Thompson’s G League assignment on Tuesday morning along with assignments for fellow rookie Cam Whitmore and two-way players Jermaine Samuels Jr. and Nate Hinton.

Thompson has gradually increased his physical workouts in recent weeks, and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka indicated a G League assignment would be part of that buildup process.

For Thompson and the others, their G League playing time could begin as soon as Wednesday, when the Vipers face Oklahoma City. They play in Birmingham on Friday and Saturday (schedule).

Once fully cleared, Thompson could help the Rockets fill some of the backup point guard minutes behind Fred VanVleet while bringing considerable length, athleticism and defensive versatility.

Just 20 years old, Thompson had averaged 6.3 points (40.9% FG) and 2.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes to begin his NBA career. His injury occurred in Houston’s fourth regular-season game.

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