Amen Thompson has started in 11 of Houston’s last 12 games.
The Houston Rockets have been a top-three team in the Western Conference since Dec. 8. So why does it feel like people are just starting to notice?
Two wins over the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers and a thrilling victory against the defending champion Boston Celtics was the right combination to make everyone show them love.
The Rockets are 32-14, have won 10 of the past 12, and are No. 2 in the West heading into tonight’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT). The Grizzlies are 31-16 and No. 3 in the West.
This matchup is must-see TV. And as he has during their most recent hot streak, Amen Thompson will be counted on to play a starring role for Houston.
NBA.com caught up with former NBA player and current Rockets lead analyst Ryan Hollins and got his thoughts on Thompson, who has been getting it done on both ends of the floor.
Editor’s Note: The following conversation has been condensed and edited.
NBA.com: How’s it going? It seems like the entire basketball world is buzzing about Amen Thompson lately.
Hollins: He has been playing well all season long but people are just taking note. He is doing the same things he has always done.
True, but triple-double, buzzer-beater and career-high are trigger words. So you’re not shocked by his play.
No. Maybe from a national media perspective, but I’ve watched every game. Amen is different. He does things that everyone doesn’t value. The intangibles. Scoring 40 points a night isn’t him. He’s a team player and a winner who does whatever it takes. If you need him to score 30 or 40, he can. If it takes 20 rebounds or something like that, he can. I hope everyone is taking a look at the little things because the mindset we’ve always championed [is] scoring above all.
The Rockets are 9-2 since he was inserted into the starting lineup and his numbers are up across the board. With all that being said, defense is still his calling card. He has a motor that just won’t quit.
He has always been known for what he brings to the table on the defensive end, but let’s talk about what makes him such a good defender. For starters, he’s a freak athlete. He’s really committed to that end of the floor and there aren’t a lot of playmakers on defense. He guards one through five and makes the craziest plays you’ll ever see.
I’ve seen him run a guy down this year like (Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf). He sprints from half court to block shots and or knock the ball out of bounds. He doesn’t have an off switch. I’ve never seen a guy so young that committed to defense.
And that’s what is so dope about him. Sure, he pushes pace and can get buckets, but he’s making defense cool.
I’ve never seen a kid impact winning the way he does. He’s so darn coachable, too. Whether he’s starting, coming off the bench, or whatever position he’s asked to play, he’s just going to go out there and excel.
He just turned 22 today. The sky is really the limit with him.
For most players, there’s a learning curve of like a year, a summer. There really isn’t a curve for the things he’s been asked to do. His role is continuing to expand. He’s just like, whatever you need me to do, coach.
In a day and age where a lot of players have a me-first mentality, it’s refreshing to see someone who is so selfless.
Maybe I’m wrong, but my theory on this is because he has a twin (Ausar, who plays for the Pistons), he has always had to share everything – his mother, his father, everything he’s had with his brother. Now, maybe that’s just my crazy theory, but I didn’t have to share my mother and father. I think it shows with his play on his court. He runs through a wall for you; spirit of competition, you know.
How far can this Rockets team go?
Everything starts with him. He changes the dynamic of the team and makes his teammates better. He changes the tempo with how we play. Now we are getting more transition buckets. He’s so fast and unselfish and kicks the ball up ahead. He’s another ball handler and he brings another dynamic to the offense. He’s starting to draw those Westbrook, D-Rose, LeBron comparisons because if you don’t build a wall, one guy isn’t enough to stop him.
This team can play with anybody and I think it’s just a matter of experience. I’m excited.
