Rockets Practice Report: Houston Preparing for Dallas Mavericks

The Houston Rockets prepare for their New Year's Day matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.

Dec 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) warms up prior to the game against the Miami Heat at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images / Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Houston Rockets are coming off another disappointing loss where they held a fourth-quarter lead before collapsing late in the game. Their latest loss to the Miami Heat saw them leading by seven points in the fourth quarter before the Heat closed the game.

Most people will remember the Heat's loss not for the collapse, but for the late-game skirmish between Amen Thompson and Tyler Herro. The two got tangled up late in the game, and after Thompson threw Herro to the ground, a melee ensued between the two teams.

The incident led to multiple ejections on both sides including Ime Udoka, Ben Sullivan, Amen Thompson and Jalen Green for the Rockets. Udoka spoke after Tuesday's practice about the incident and the Rockets offensive struggles.

Rockets on SI asked Udoka if he feels the Rockets are getting good shots especially in the fourth quarter.

I asked Coach Udoka if he feels they are getting good shots particularly when the offense is struggling or if he wants more ball and player movement. Udoka talks about the offense and defense.

“A little bit of both”

He also talks about how they need to get more stops as well… pic.twitter.com/wU1wqwnv0E

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) December 31, 2024

The Rockets have blown fourth quarter leads in the last two games because their offense has disappeared during long stretches. Udoka feels that the team also hasnt been getting enough stops as well late in games.

Thompson also spoke to the media about what transpired and gave his thoughts on the incident.

Amen Thompson talks about the incident with Tyler Herro.

“It’s not personal at all just straight competition.”

Goes on to say how he would get into the same type of thing with his brother Ausar. pic.twitter.com/rYCDiQCu7x

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) December 31, 2024

Thompson is off to a great start this season and is starting to get noticed around the NBA. Rockets on SI asked Thompson with him receiving more national attention does he feel teams are playing him more physical this season.

With Amen being more known around the league I asked him if he feels teams are trying to play him more physical.

“For sure they know I like to crash and play in transition” pic.twitter.com/erFYW3PbRb

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) December 31, 2024

Teams are starting to recognize that if they don't gameplan for Thompson, it will be a long night, as he has become one of the better all-around players in the league. Unfortunately, the Rockets will not have Thompson's services for the next two games, as the news the NBA suspended Thompson for two games came out Tuesday afternoon.

The Rockets are back in action New Year's Day as they host the Luka Doncic less Dallas Mavericks.

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