Rockets' Amen Thompson Displays Two-Way Potential in Loss vs. Pacers

Despite a loss to the Pacers, Amen Thompson came up huge on both ends for the Houston Rockets during his second career start.

The Houston Rockets trailed the Indiana Pacers by 10 points with 2:50 left in the first quarter. Dillon Brooks, who had an impressive night with 23 points (8 of 15 FG, 3 of 6 3PT), tried to score a contested layup attempt over a pair of defenders but came up short.

Amen Thompson attacked the offensive glass to give the Rockets another offensive possession. He executed his second putback dunk, which came by posterizing Brooks. 

Thompson's dunk was one of many highlights where the rookie guard came up huge despite the Rockets' 132-129 loss inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse Tuesday night.

He received his second start in the absence of Fred VanVleet and notched 13 points (6 of 13 FG), 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks — proving that the Rockets have a prominent two-way star.

Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

"I felt good out there for my second start," Thompson said. "I felt defensively I was playing really hard. Offensively, the team was trying to push the pace, and I felt like we did a good job but could not get the win."

It has been 17 days since Thompson received his first career start against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 21. The milestone came in a defeat. But Thompson said his play against the Celtics gave him an opportunity to learn schemes while the game became more instinctual.

Thompson displayed his instincts on several plays late in the fourth quarter. After his putback dunk over Brooks, he rejected Tyrese Haliburton's layup attempt during the next defensive series. As the ball sailed out of bounds, his instincts caused Haliburton to commit a turnover. 

On Houston's next defensive possession, Thompson's on-ball pressure forced an over-and-back violation on Pacers' Andrew Nembhard. The Rockets cut their once-10-point deficit to five (129-124) with 1:12 left in the fourth quarter due to Thompson's contributions. 

Coach Ime Udoka noted that there were moments Thompson became winded due to the energy he was exerting during the final period.

"Good overall game on both sides," Udoka said. "Everyone is going to have mistakes here and there. There are some communication things we have to improve on, but he was good overall. I saw continuous growth from him. He has to be a little sharper with a few defensive coverages and communications."

After his first career start, Udoka compared Thompson's unique skillset to former All-Star point-forward Ben Simmons due to his size and ability to create plays on and off the ball.

Udoka's comparison came to fruition in Indiana. He joined Simmons as the only two rookies in league history to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in their first two starts.

Amen Thompson Making Waves on Defense: 'I've Always Taken Pride in'

Thompson has been content with his play as a starter. However, losing has spoiled his career milestones. 

He will continue to start in the absence of VanVleet, who will miss at least the next three games due to a left adductor strain. Each time Thompson will step on the court in place of VanVleet, winning will be his top objective as a starter.

"I care, I am trying to win," Thompson said. "We are building chemistry. Over the years, we will keep growing."