Rockets' Amen Thompson Sets Career High in Loss to 76ers

Despite an embarrassing loss, Houston Rockets rookie guard Amen Thompson scored a career-high in points against the 76ers Monday afternoon.

The Houston Rockets got demolished by the Philadelphia 76ers Monday afternoon. Coach Ime Udoka called his first timeout less than two minutes into the first quarter, and the results led to the Rockets falling 124-115 inside the Wells Fargo Center. 

However, all wasn't bad for the Rockets, as rookie guard Amen Thompson had a career day amid the loss. Thompson played 19 minutes and finished the game with a career-best 14 points on 7 of 8 shooting. He also added three rebounds and a steal.

Rockets forward Amen Thompson brings the ball up the court during the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The start of Thompson's rookie season was tough. He missed 15 straight games due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain. After returning from injury, an illness sidelined him for four more games. 

However, since his second return, Thompson is starting to display the potential that led to the Rockets drafting him with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft.

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Over the last two games, Thompson has averaged 12.0 points on 55.6 percent shooting from the field and 6.5 rebounds. He has been a positive note for the Rockets, who have also been pleased by the production of his rookie mate, Cam Whitmore.

"They are going to continue growing — we need those guys," Fred VanVleet said. "They are playing big minutes for us now. They are swinging the game one way or another. As long as they continue to grow and compete each night, I think they can be a huge asset for us moving forward, and having those guys lead the bench unit."