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

Due to his play on the defensive end, Amen Thompson is starting to leave an impact on the Houston Rockets.

Houston — Amen Thompson scored on a clutch 3-point field goal during the final seconds of the Houston Rockets interconference contest against the Brooklyn Nets Saturday night. 

His triple left 7.1 seconds on the game clock, as the Rockets came within a point (103-102). Unfortunately, Thompson's basket wasn't enough to help the Rockets complete an improbable comeback after trailing by as many as 28 points.

The 3-point field goal was the latest play Thompson has been able to add to his growing highlight reel. However, the rookie guard from OverTime Elite has made his most significant plays on the defensive end.

"Defense is something I've always taken pride in," Thompson said. "It's been that way my whole life. I am glad I'm getting the opportunity to show my defense at the end of games too."

Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) blocks a shot by Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) during overtime at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson's defense came up huge amid the Rockets near comeback attempt against the Nets. He finished the game with three steals and two blocks inside the Barclays Center. 

His most significant stop came with 8:14 left in the fourth quarter when Thompson stole Mikal Bridges' in-bound pass and converted on a layup attempt in transition.

Thompson is starting to display the all-around potential that gave the Rockets confidence to select him with the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. It took a while for him to find his footing in the league due to unforeseen circumstances at the start of the year.

A Grade 2 ankle sprain and flu symptoms sidelined Thompson for 19 of 20 games from Nov. 4 to Dec. 18.

The time he missed was hard. Injuries and an illness not only forced Thompson to miss out on the chance to help his teammates, but the absences interfered with his development.

Coach Ime Udoka preached patience to Thompson when unfortunate circumstances stalled his development. Udoka has now witnessed the game slowing down once Thompson began to play consistent minutes.

"My confidence level is at 100 right now," Thompson said. "I've been playing and have gotten into the flow of things. I am feeling great — just being back to myself."

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Thompson has displayed his defensive potential on several occasions since returning from an illness. In the Rockets' overtime victory over the Utah Jazz on Jan. 20, Thompson recorded a game-saving block with a rejection on Jazz's Collin Sexton. 

Twenty-four hours later, Thompson started for the first time and came up huge on the defensive end for the second consecutive game. In a loss against the Boston Celtics, Thompson notched his first career double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds — 11 came on the defensive glass.

Thompson has averaged 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks over the previous six games.