Houston Rockets’ Amen Thompson Makes History vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson has looked like the player scouts hyped him up to be before he became the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Thompson has started the last eight games for the Rockets with Alperen Sengun sidelined with an ankle sprain, and he’s made the most of his opportunity. The height of his ascent came on Wednesday night when he scored a season-high 25 points and 15 rebounds in the Rockets’ overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Thompson became the first rookie in franchise history to post those numbers since Yao Ming, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft

Thompson’s recent success isn’t a surprise for assistant coach Ben Sullivan.

“He’s a great kid,” Sullivan said on Rockets All Access with team reporter Vanessa Richardson. “Very smart. Works really hard. It kind of struck me just… you get this sense that he really wants it, like whenever you’re around him. I love that about him.”

Thompson’s effort is on display when he’s not the lead guard. He has arguably been the team’s center with Sengun out and he’s able to defend any player on the court with his unique size and speed.

Given his physical gifts, he’s already a talented player. But by adding in the desire to be great, the Rockets have quite the player on their hands.

Thompson and the Rockets are back in action tomorrow night against the Utah Jazz. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT.