Houston Rockets Ime Udoka Claims Jalen Green, Amen Thompson Deserved NBA Honors

Jonah Kubicek | Apr 3, 2024

Mar 14, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates with forward Amen Thompson (1) / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets had the best month of March in the NBA, going 13-2 and putting pressure on the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. With the incredible month gone, Ime Udoka was named Western Conference Coach of the Month.

The Rockets can chalk their winning turnaround to good coaching, but the explosive play of both Jalen Green and Amen Thompson has not gone unnoticed. Green had a stellar month, averaging 27.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and shot 40.8 percent from three, brushing off criticisms that he is inefficient. Thompson also had a good showing, averaging 13.1 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Mar 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with guard Jalen Green (4) / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie of the Month went to Victor Wembanyama, and Player of the Month went to Luka Doncic. Both had impressive runs to start spring, with Wembanyama posting 23.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks. Doncic averaged a 32.5-point triple-double and elevated the Dallas Mavericks to the fifth seed in the West.

"I like to look at the guys on the court and what they're doing," said Udoka after winning Coach of the Month honors. "I felt like Jalen should have gotten Player of the Month and Amen probably should have gotten Rookie of the Month, in my opinion."

In the NBA's defense, Wembanyama is the best rookie in recent memory and Doncic leapfrogged over Shai Gilgous-Alexander for second place on the MVP ladder, but the Rockets were the hottest team in the league for the entire month.

"I wish they would have got it more so than me, honestly," finished Udoka.

With seven games left in the season and a date with the Warriors on Friday, the Rockets still have time to make up the three games and make a postseason berth.