Tag: Amen Thompson

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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Rockets’ Amen Thompson likely to miss 1 more week with ankle injury

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson recently shed the walking boot on his right foot and is progressing from a Grade 2 ankle sprain.

Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson recently shed the walking boot on his right foot and is progressing in his recovery from a Grade 2 ankle sprain, he told Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Thompson sustained the injury on Nov. 1 against the Charlotte Hornets when the 20-year-old appeared to step on the foot of a defender. Rockets coach Ime Udoka confirmed the extent of the injury after the game and said Thompson would miss an undefined amount of time.

The fourth pick was seen afterward in a walking boot and on crutches. He appears to be recovering well and could be on the verge of returning in the next two weeks, according to the report.

I caught up with rookie Amen Thompson briefly after the game, who told me he’s feeling great and is itching to get back on the floor. He’s no longer in a walking boot, and while he said a return this week is unlikely, we’ll see if he’s cleared to resume basketball activities after that.

Thompson has emerged as the Rockets’ backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet in the early going this season. In four games, Thompson is averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40.9% shooting from the field.

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Draymond Green explains why Wemby, Thompson twins are unique rookies

The former Defensive Player of the Year is excited to watch the incoming rookie class play this season.

The NBA season is underway, and the incoming rookie class has already produced some strong performances through the first half-dozen games.

No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama has looked the part of a generational player, while another 7-footer, Oklahoma City forward Chet Holmgren, is finding early success. Other first-year players have also found their way with outstanding performances, too.

Draymond Green likes what he is seeing from the group.

Green and the Golden State Warriors have already faced some of the top rookies this season: Holmgren, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, and Detroit Pistons guards Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser.

He believes it is a unique group of players this year.

When you look at this rookie class, it doesn’t really look like a rookie class. Even our two rookies (Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis), if you put those guys in the game, they don’t make mistakes that rookies make. It is the same thing for the Thompson twins and Wemby. You start to look down at the list and even Marcus Sasser — they don’t look like rookies. I think it’s an incredible class.

Green even joked that the arrival of the Wembanyama and the Thompson twins in the league would make it harder for him to earn a place on an All-Defensive team this season based on their effectiveness on that end of the court.

The three players have been, perhaps, the top defenders from the class in the early going. Of course, Wembanyama has the size to defend the paint and the athleticism to close out on the 3-point line. The Thompson twins have dazzled as on-ball and weak-side defenders.

The art of defending, Green believes, is a bit rare now for first-year players coming into the league. He is excited to see that change with this group entering the league.

“I’m happy to see young guys coming into this league taking on the challenge of defending,” Green said. “So many young guys come into this league (looking to) score; it’s all about scoring: ‘How can I get my shot off?’ It is such the wrong mindset to come in with. It is good to see these guys come in with a different mindset.”

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Rockets’ Ime Udoka: Amen Thompson suffered Grade 2 ankle sprain vs. Hornets

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain on Wednesday in a win over the Hornets.

Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain on Wednesday in a win over the Charlotte Hornets, head coach Ime Udoka said.

Thompson endured the injury in the third quarter when the 20-year-old appeared to step on the foot of a defender. He looked to be in immediate pain but eventually left the court and walked to the locker room without assistance.

He recorded four points, one rebound and one assist in 13 minutes.

Udoka said after the 128-119 victory that there was no timetable for Thompson to return to the court. He was seen leaving the Toyota Center in a walking boot on crutches.

Thompson has emerged as the Rockets’ backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet in the early going this season. In four games, the fourth pick is averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40.9% shooting from the field.

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Rockets 128, Hornets 119: With another 20-10 game, Fred VanVleet leads way to first win

Fred VanVleet had another 20+ point and 10+ assist game and led the Rockets to their first win of the season in Wednesday’s victory over Charlotte.

Fred VanVleet led the way with 22 points and 11 assists as the Rockets (1-3) picked up their first win of the 2023-24 regular season with Wednesday’s 128-119 victory (box score) over Charlotte (1-3). Rookie guard Amen Thompson left early with a right ankle sprain.

For VanVleet, Houston’s flagship signing in 2023 free agency, it was the second time in three games he has scored 20-plus points while dishing at least 10 assists. VanVleet largely outplayed star Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who had 19 points and 5 assists.

As a team, the Rockets made 21-of-37 from 3-point range (56.8%), which was easily their best performance of the season to date. VanVleet led the way with five makes in 10 attempts (50%).

All five of Houston’s starters scored in double figures. Other standouts from Wednesday’s game included:

  • Jalen Green: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50%), 7-of-7 on free throws
  • Dillon Brooks: 20 points, 5 assists, 5 steals; 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%), 3-of-3 on 3-pointers
  • Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists; 9-of-12 shooting (75%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; 7-of-10 shooting (70%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60%)

Here are highlights and interviews from Wednesday night, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston as the seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, continues at Toyota Center is Saturday’s matchup versus Sacramento. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Central.

Rockets lose rookie guard Amen Thompson to Grade 2 right ankle sprain

#Rockets rookie Amen Thompson left Wednesday’s game with a Grade 2 right ankle sprain, and he left Toyota Center on crutches, @BigSargeSportz reports.

Houston Rockets rookie guard Amen Thompson sprained his right ankle during a third-quarter transition sequence in Wednesday’s game (box score) versus the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center. The team ruled him out for the remainder of the game shortly thereafter.

Thompson, drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round, initially pounded the floor in pain and appeared reluctant to put any weight on his injured ankle. However, he eventually walked to the locker room without assistance and with only a moderate limp.

Thompson suffered a Grade 2 left ankle sprain in July during the NBA’s 2023 summer league. That injury had an estimated two-to-four week recovery timetable. Wednesday’s injury was to Thompson’s right ankle, so it’s not a recurrence of the same issue.

In postgame comments, head coach Ime Udoka said this was also a Grade 2 ankle sprain, which could suggest a similar return timetable. Thompson left on crutches, per Brian Barefield of Rockets Wire.

Thompson is Houston’s backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet — though his elite athleticism has already made him a trusted defender to Udoka at multiple positions. Once Thompson left Wednesday, veteran guard Aaron Holiday absorbed the available minutes.

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NBA execs poll: Where Rockets rank among top young players to build around

In a poll of NBA execs, Houston’s Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. were viewed among the league’s top 10 players to build around who are under 25 years old.

With the start of the 2023-24 season here, HoopsHype polled 20 NBA executives for their top five players under 25 years old.

After dominating this executives poll for the past three years, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic battled with San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama for the top spot in a tight race.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey were among the top risers in the poll, while LaMelo Ball and Zion Williamson were among players whose stock slipped. In addition, 11 players earned votes for the first time.

Under this scoring system, the top player received 10 points, the second received seven points, the third received five points, the fourth received three points, and the fifth player received one point for each ballot. The results of the poll, which featured four young prospects on the 2023-24 Houston Rockets roster, are listed below.

Further analysis is available from Michael Scotto at HoopsHype.