Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore Lead 'Spark Group' for Houston Rockets

How did Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore help the Houston Rockets stay undefeated during Monday's preseason win against the Spurs?

The Houston Rockets would have lost their first preseason game if not for the play of their rookies, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore. The two rookies helped the Rockets overcome a 14-point deficit to take a 99-89 victory over the San Antonio Spurs Monday night. 

Thompson and Whitmore scored 15 points, respectively. Their production helped the Rockets' second unit outscore the starters 65-34. 

"We were just out there playing hard and together," Thompson said. "The second group is the spark group when the first group isn't doing good...The game is getting slower from when I first got here. But every game, it is getting slower."

Thompson and Whitmore ignited Houston's comeback by executing well on both ends. When the Spurs held a 53-43 halftime lead, San Antonio shot 43.2 percent from the field while nailing 7-of-16 3s. 

Rockets guard Amen Thompson shoots against San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey in the first half at the Frost Bank Center / Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

But in the second half, Houston's defense held the Spurs to 29.3 percent shooting and four triples. Thompson added two steals and a block during his 21 minutes of play inside the Frost Bank Center.

Whitmore said team defense was the first attribute coach Ime Udoka preached during training camp. And based on their performance, Whitmore feels the second unit's defense can be "very scary."

"All we have to do is lock up defensively," Whitmore said. "Stay in the gaps. And it should be enough to get the job done. Whatever the coach needs me to do. Whatever the defense or coach allows me to do, I'll just do it."

The second unit's ability to outplay the starters was not surprising to Thompson. The former prospect from OverTime Elite revealed that there were moments the reserve unit beat the starting five during training camp scrimmages. And after each win, including their performance against the Spurs, Thompson said he consistently reminds Fred VanVleet of their success.