<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-case-amen-thompson-earning-1st-team-all-rookie-honors');   ga('set', 'title', 'The case for Rockets’ Amen Thompson earning 1st team All-Rookie honors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rockets-The-case-for-Amen-Thompson-earning-1st-team-All-Rookie-honors.jpg"><figcaption>4/16/24</figcaption></figure><h1>The case for Rockets’ Amen Thompson earning 1st team All-Rookie honors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-04-16T15:53:38-07:00">April 16th, 3:53pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-04-16T15:54:54-07:00">April 16th, 3:54pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charities, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The 2023-2024 NBA regular season has concluded, paving the way for the playoffs. During this period, NBA awards will be distributed throughout the postseason. For the Houston Rockets, this opens up contention for the NBA <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/thunder-news-chet-holmgren-rookie-of-the-year-victor-wembanyama">Rookie of the Year</a> and All-Rookie Team honors. Most casual and avid pro basketball fans will agree that Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets are the top candidates for Rookie of the Year. While we’re at it, let’s go ahead and check them off on the All-Rookie First Team. With two slots left, here is why Rockets guard Amen Thompson should take one of them.</p><h2><b>Why Amen Thompson deserves All-Rookie slot</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Houston-Rockets-forward-Amen-Thompson.jpg"><figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>First off, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-amen-thompson-cam-whitmore-nba-rising-stars">Thompson was snubbed</a> from the Rising Stars roster during the All-Star game. Getting Rookie First Team honors would be quite a comeback. Overall, he’s been fantastic in his first season. Even though he missed a bit over a month, Thompson supremely recovered. In 62 games, the 21-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 53.6% shooting. Thanks to the brief injuries of Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet, Thompson earned lengthy starting minutes, raising his averages to a double-double, notching 13.3 points, ten rebounds, and 3.5 assists as a starter in 23 games.</p><p>Don’t forget his two-way potential. Via Cleaning the Glass, <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/5216/onoff#tab-team_efficiency" rel="noopener">Thompson ranked</a> in the 100th percentile on Offensive and Defensive rebounding percentage, 96th on steal percentage, and 93rd on block percentage.</p><h2><b>Thompson’s first career triple-double</b></h2><p>In the final game of the season, the former Overtime Elite guard secured his first career triple-double against the LA Clippers, with 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, eleven rebounds, and ten assists, including three steals and three blocks.</p><p>“He [Thompson] continues to take steps every game in some sort of way, “coach Ime Udoka said, following the final game of the season. “Whether it’s defending, scoring, stat sheet stuffing. Not surprised, it’s the first of many. He finished the season off with a win getting a triple-double. Shows that he has no quit. He continued to play and didn’t just pack it in.”</p><h2><b>Next man up</b></h2><p>Drafted as a prototypical playmaker, Thompson embraced change to his game when the Rockets needed him. Most rookies aren’t used to a change in habit. When big man Alperen Sengun went down with a season-ending injury in early March, Thompson often started as an undersized center standing formidably against challenging big men such as Wembanyama and Holmgren.</p><p>When Dillon Brooks was out, Thompson took over his role with ease, displaying his positional versatility, heightened pace on fast breaks and disruptive perimeter defense.</p><p>While Eason became known as a “Swiss Army Knife” in the rotation, Thompson also demonstrated this capability after Eason was sidelined, along with exceptional passing. Thompson’s development of a consistent jump shot will further elevate his game. It’s only a matter of time until he develops a consistent jump shot. Then he’ll become unstoppable.</p><p>Via Michael Shapiro of Chron, <a href="https://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/amen-thompson-scoot-henderson-highlights-19397502.php" rel="noopener">Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan</a> mentions, “He’s [Thompson] been really open and receptive to whatever we’ve asked him, wherever we’ve put him. He kind of embraces whatever role can help the group. … He can make a real impact even without the ball in his hands.”</p><h2><b>NBA All-Rookie First Team competition</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Warriors_-Brandin-Podziemski-dribbling.jpg"><figcaption>Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Thompson faces stiff competition from Jaime Jacques Jr. of the Miami Heat and Brandin Podziemski of the Golden State Warriors. Portland Trailblazers guard and third overall pick Scoot Henderson might have a puncher’s chance, but his poor efficiency and liability on a debilitating Blazers team doesn’t help his case. Both Podziemski and Jaquez have more games under their belt compared to Thompson.</p><p>Jaquez, in particular, blossomed right out of the gate during the first few months of the season before cooling off a bit after the All-Star break. For what it’s worth, he is a definitive pick for the fourth slot.</p><p>Podziemski is a contender for the fifth spot, mainly because of his shooting consistency and ability to take charges on defense. He also started in 28 games. Not to mention the fact that the Warriors are in the Play-In tournament.</p><p>However, Thompson has the edge in turnover percentage, starting stats, and contains more win shares over his two competitors, via Basketball Reference. Insert him in virtually any position and expect nothing but consistency.</p><p>The only downside for Houston’s fourth overall pick is availability early in the season and shooting consistency. Still, if selected, the Thompson twin will stand alongside Rockets teammate Jalen Green for All-Rookie First Team honors.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

The case for Rockets’ Amen Thompson earning 1st team All-Rookie honors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-amen-thompson-ejected-for-shoving-mavericks-maxi-kleber');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Amen Thompson ejected for blatant shove of Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rockets-new-Amen-Thompson-ejected-for-blatant-shove-of-Mavericks-Maxi-Kleber.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Amen Thompson ejected for blatant shove of Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-04-07T13:42:38-07:00">April 7th, 1:42pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-04-07T13:42:38-07:00">April 7th, 1:42pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/warriors-news-draymond-green-truth-bomb-eliminating-rockets">Rockets are trying</a> to make a run for the play-in tournament as they take on the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. However, things took a turn after star rookie, Amen Thompson, was ejected from the game for shoving Maxi Kleber.</p><p>Early on in the contest, Thompson blatantly pushed Kleber <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1777064690796859639" rel="noopener">to the ground</a>. Game officials eventually called it a flagrant two and ejected the Rockets’ small forward from the game.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amen Thompson was hit with a flagrant 2 and ejected after this hard foul on Maxi Kleber.</p><p>Good or bad call? 🤔<a href="https://t.co/3etp4N6hNs">pic.twitter.com/3etp4N6hNs</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1777064690796859639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Although the Rockets ended the first quarter with a 42-27 lead, this isn’t an ideal situation for Houston. They’re trying to keep their playoff hopes alive but a boneheaded play from Thompson could change the tide of this contest. The NBA may consider fining Amen Thompson for his actions. However, that won’t be known until after the game.</p><p>It’s not clear what set off the initial shove. But whatever happened it’s not a great decision for Thompson to push his opponent to the ground. Especially with the Rockets fighting for a play-in tournament spot. Even if they’re a long shot to participate.</p><p>With that said, the refs in this Rockets-Mavericks game might be trying to prevent these teams <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1777068545043488838" rel="noopener">from clashing too much</a>. After hitting a tough shot, the refs called a technical on Luka Doncic for celebrating. Hilariously enough, they didn’t seem to care that Dillon Brooks was clapping in Doncic’s face after the call was made.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Luka Doncic got hit with a technical foul while celebrating getting a whistle and Dillon Brooks was loving it 😂<a href="https://t.co/duPQvKpdkC">pic.twitter.com/duPQvKpdkC</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1777068545043488838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Amen Thompson has had a solid rookie campaign overall. He’s excellent on the boards and is still developing as a scorer. Give this kid some time to develop and the Rockets could have star on their hands. This season, Thompson has averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.</p><h2>Rockets bright future</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jalen-Green-driving-the-lane.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Even if the Rockets miss out on the playoffs this season, the franchise has an incredibly bright future. They have several exciting prospects with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun figuring it out in the league.</p><p>Houston has been involved in numerous trade rumors and could be a team to watch for in the offseason. It’d be smart to continue building around guys like Green and Sengun. However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-future-alperen-sengun-jalen-green-offseason-trade-decisions">the Rockets could</a> potentially send them away in a big trade package.</p><p>But whatever happens, Houston is in position to make some big moves this coming offseason. If they can make the right moves the Rockets could be more of a playoff threat this time next year. They already have a nice lineup and the front office will have the opportunity to build upon it.</p><p>After several years of being at the bottom of the league it looks like the Rockets are well on their way to righting the ship. The front office has followed a similar rebuilding strategy as the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have become one of the best teams in the league.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Amen Thompson ejected for blatant shove of Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/why-amen-thompson-is-key-to-rockets-success-without-alperen-sengun');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Amen Thompson is key to Rockets’ success without Alperen Sengun');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Why-Amen-Thompson-is-key-to-Rockets_-success-without-Alperen-Sengun.jpg"></figure><h1>Why Amen Thompson is key to Rockets’ success without Alperen Sengun</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-03-22T11:52:01-07:00">March 22nd, 11:52am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-03-22T11:52:01-07:00">March 22nd, 11:52am</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It’s late March, and the best team this month are the Houston Rockets. Sporting a 9-1 record and a seven winning streak, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-finding-playoff-surge-despite-season-ending-alperen-sengun-injury">the Rockets are surging</a> into play-in contention out of nowhere. Currently, the Rockets are 2.5 games behind the final spot with thirteen games left in the regular season. There’s much to admire about Houston’s recent success. While we could discuss Jalen Green’s explosion, Jock Landale, or veterans like Fred VanVleet and Jeff Green, let’s turn our attention to a specific player who has delivered exceptional starting minutes: Amen Thompson.</p><p>At first glance, Thompson’s overall stats this season might not seem noteworthy: 8.8 points, 5.9 rebounds on 53.9% shooting in 20.4 minutes, coupled with an inconsistent jumper, which might appear to be typical rookie figures. However, this hasn’t been the case lately.</p><p>When starting, the rookie averages a double-double, with 14.5 points on 65% shooting and 10.3 rebounds. The rebound numbers increase by 1.2 when he plays at least 30 minutes.</p><h2><b>Thompson’s new development</b></h2><p>Since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-injury-timeline">Alperen Sengun went down</a> with a season-ending injury on March 11th, Thompson’s averages rose to sixteen points on 71% shooting, 8.7 rebounds, and two assists. These type of stats don’t necessarily come from a pass first point guard. It wasn’t what we saw during his brief stint in the Summer League. Arguably, it wasn’t what the Rockets had intended upon selecting him fourth overall at draft night.</p><p>And yet, it’s working.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Highest +/- by a rookie this month: </p><p>+91 — Amen Thompson<br>+90<br>+89<br>+88<br>+87<br>+86<br>+85<br>+84<br>+83<br>+82<br>+81<br>+80<br>+79<br>+78<br>+77<br>+76<br>+75<br>+74<br>+73<br>+72<br>+71<br>+70<br>+69<br>+68<br>+67<br>+66<br>+65<br>+64<br>+63<br>+62<br>+61<br>+60<br>+59<br>+58<br>+57<br>+56<br>+55<br>+54<br>+53<br>+52<br>+51<br>+50<br>+49<br>+48<br>+47<br>+46<br>+45 — Chet Holmgren <a href="https://t.co/vZYNxfI6a9">pic.twitter.com/vZYNxfI6a9</a></p><p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1771002245665947709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Sometimes you have to adjust your game based on the circumstances. Discovering Thompson’s 6’7 frame, innate athleticism, and knack for defense can easily translate to a small ball lineup. It’s a great option, especially when your rotations need more versatility in the second unit.</p><p>On the surface, rebuilding teams draft players that they believe can ensure them wins, whether it be trading them for certain assets or adding them to a young core. It’s even better if the player can adapt to unfamiliar situations.</p><p>Via Michael Shapiro from Chron, <a href="https://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/amen-thompson-rockets-role-19362120.php">Thompson is the “de-facto center”</a> for Houston. Given that Jabari Smith Jr. is labeled as the center replacement for Sengun, he doesn’t spend too much time in the interior. Smith’s shooting ability relegates him to the wings or the elbow. In contrast, Thompson’s attempts at the basket yield better results.</p><p>Of course, the services of Sengun is sorely needed, but giving Thompson the green light to be that effective replacement gives the Rockets more options on both ends of the floor.</p><h2><b>Rockets have a versatile piece</b></h2><p>While the shooting isn’t quite there yet, Thompson is an effective cutter at the baseline. Successful possessions during the Chicago Bulls matchup consisted of VanVleet or Green bringing up the ball at the top of the key. They’d come off a Landale screen, leaving him open at the free throw line.</p><p>While Landale can certainly knock in a jumpshot or a floater, there are better options, especially when Thompson dances around the baseline. His ability to read the Bulls’ defenders and decide to quickly bolt to the basket at the right time makes it easy for Landale to dish the rock for an easy dunk.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amen Thompson with AUTHORITY 😤<a href="https://t.co/1VM4fNPiTI">pic.twitter.com/1VM4fNPiTI</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1769121684957897101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>On other times when the Rockets isolate with their guards, Thompson can act as a premier pick and roll threat undersized center threat. No lane to the basket? No problem. Thompson’s vision, a key reason for his drafting, provides a myriad of scoring alternatives.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">THIS AMEN THOMPSON PASS TO CAM WHITMORE IS RIDICULOUS <a href="https://t.co/lonOlqwvan">pic.twitter.com/lonOlqwvan</a></p><p>— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradeauxNBA/status/1752144383099498782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Udoka had this to say about Thompson’s smooth transition in his adjusted role:</p><p>“[Thompson has] never had to do that before but whether it’s [against] zone or man, he catches it in that [middle] area, he’s one dribble from the basket,” the Rockets coach said Thursday.</p><p>Even Thompson himself “never thought it [his role] would look like this.” Not only does speak volumes on how valuable he can become, it’s also a testament to him as a player to be willing to try new things the coaching staff give him. Looking back on this draft 3-5 years from now, we might just be seeing the best player of the NBA draft <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/spurs-news-victor-wembanyama-drive-be-best-san-antonio-rough-season">outside of Victor Wembanyama</a>.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Amen Thompson is key to Rockets’ success without Alperen Sengun

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-amen-thompson-enters-michael-jordan-territory-with-wild-rookie-feat');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Amen Thompson enters Michael Jordan territory with wild rookie feat');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Amen-Thompson-enters-Michael-Jordan-territory-with-wild-rookie-feat.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Amen Thompson enters Michael Jordan territory with wild rookie feat</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-03-09T07:16:08-08:00">March 9th, 7:16am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-03-09T07:16:08-08:00">March 9th, 7:16am</time><address><a>Sonny Giuliano</a>Sonny Giuliano has been covering the NFL, College Football, NBA and College Basketball for well over a decade, but he's never claimed to be an expert ... just a sports fan who cares WAY too much. Follow Sonny on Twitter (or X, whatever Elon's calling it) @SonnyCG for his sports and pop culture takes</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Any time a player’s name is placed in the same sentence as Michael Jordan, it reflexively forces everyone to do a double-take. It doesn’t matter if you’re saying that this player’s game is stylistically similar to MJ’s, or if over the course of a season or a long stretch of games their numbers were similar, or even if in one single game, a player does something that hasn’t been done since Michael Jordan did it. That’s the weight of the name Michael Jordan, and while any parishioner of the Church of MJ is likely to cry <i>Heresy</i> at the mere mention of Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson  in the same breath as His Airness, that’s the category Thompson has put himself in with his performance on Friday night versus the Portland Trail Blazers.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amen Thompson had one of the most impactful games of his young career today:</p><p>16 PTS<br>8 REB<br>3 AST<br>2 STL<br>5 BLK (career high) </p><p>Michael Jordan (!!!!!) is the only other rookie guard to match/exceed these #’s in NBA History. <a href="https://t.co/YOBugPkdrE">pic.twitter.com/YOBugPkdrE</a></p><p>— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradeauxNBA/status/1766335949317849145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Now whether Amen Thompson is a “guard” or a “forward” is up for debate. The 6’7″ rookie is listed as a Small Forward on Basketball-Reference, but what made him such an intriguing prospect while playing for the City Reapers of the Overtime Elite was his ability to play any number of positions, so for the sake of the comparison to MJ, I suppose I can let it slide.</p><p>Over the last fifteen games, Amen Thompson has seen a boost in his minutes, and his production has increased as a result (10.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.3 blocks). Thompson is just <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-amen-thompson-take-on-cam-whitmore-hints-bright-future">one of two promising rookies</a> the Rockets managed to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-cam-whitmore-amen-thompson-finding-nba-groove">snag in the 2023 NBA Draft</a>. 20th overall pick Cam Whitmore is averaging 12 points per game and has scored in double figures in 16 of his last 20 games, including last night against Portland, a game in which he scored 13 points and chipped in with 8 rebounds in just under 24 minutes of action.</p><p>In order to keep myself in the good graces of the Church of MJ, here’s a little nugget for the congregation: MJ’s season low his rookie year was 13 points, a game in which he played only 24 minutes, and it was in just the 8th game of his career that Michael Jordan notched 27 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 5 blocks against the Indiana Pacers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Amen Thompson enters Michael Jordan territory with wild rookie feat

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-amen-thompson-recent-resurgence-speculates-ime-udokas-roster-decision');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets: Amen Thompson’s recent resurgence must force Ime Udoka to make roster change');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rockets_Amen_Thompson_s_recent_resurgence_speculates_Ime_Udoka_s_roster_decision.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets: Amen Thompson’s recent resurgence must force Ime Udoka to make roster change</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-24T20:32:19-08:00">February 24th, 8:32pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-24T20:32:19-08:00">February 24th, 8:32pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>During the All-Star break, head coach Ime Udoka publicly mentioned that discussions were underway regarding adjustments to the Houston Rockets’ rotation, given their ongoing issues since the start of 2024. Whether it’s poor perimeter defense, injury woes or offensive inconsistency, the Rockets have work to do in order to attempt reaching play-in contention. However, following the break, Udoka suddenly changed his mind.</p><p>The lineup would remain the same, with the intention being to use the break for regrouping, watching film and addressing performance issues. Two games in, and it’s clear the lineup still needs a shakeup. Jalen Green continues to underperform, Dillon Brooks appears to be regressing, and Alperen Sengun’s defensive play has deteriorated significantly.</p><h2><b>Amen Thompson deserves a spot</b></h2><p>There most definitely needs to be a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-slump-with-24-30-record-heading-into-the-all-star-break" rel="noopener">change in the starting rotation</a>, and that should come by inserting rookie Amen Thompson. The 20-year-old rookie has been a force to be reckoned with since he replaced an injured Fred VanVleet as the starting point guard. In his six games as a starter, Thompson averaged a double-double, with 12.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists, shooting at an impressive 57.6 percent efficiency. Such numbers are rare for an NBA rookie.</p><p>Now, with VanVleet back in the starting five, Thompson returns to the bench. The recent success of the former Overtime Elite guard must surely merit some impact, right?</p><p>Regarding those two games, it certainly has. While the Rockets suffered a hard-to-watch loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, the rookie held his own. In 28 minutes off the bench, Thompson scored 22 points, along with five rebounds, four assists and three blocks, all while shooting 9-of-13. Much of his scoring showcased his innate ability to reach the rim against All-Stars CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson.</p><h2><b>Another solid game for the Rockets rookie</b></h2><p>Against the Phoenix Suns, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-amen-thompson-take-on-cam-whitmore-hints-bright-future" rel="noopener">Thompson excelled once again</a>, but this time it was more satisfying. Along with 15 points and 10 rebounds, Thompson recorded a +15 plus-minus, adding a couple of blocks. His two blocks were against 7-foot-3 big man Bol Bol and a deflected shot attempt from future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant.</p><p>Prior to checking into the game in the first quarter, the Rockets were trailing 22-6. The starters were desperate for answers, and Thompson was their solution. He injected energy into the Rockets’ shaky first half, helping them overcome a 16-point deficit to lead 57-52 at halftime.</p><p>Udoka elected to extend Thompson’s minutes due to Jalen Green’s inconsistencies and Brooks getting into foul trouble. This strategy proved effective, with Thompson playing a total of 33 minutes, giving the Rockets the much-needed boost off the bench. They managed to hold off Durant and Devin Booker’s Suns 114-110, highlighting Thompson’s significant individual impact.</p><p>“I like the way he [Thompson] is playing,” Udoka said following the win. “He is growing on a nightly basis. He brings a lot of versatility. His activity on both ends was great.”</p><p>In the month of February, the former fourth overall pick is averaging 13.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting a sharp 60.7 percent field goal efficiency.</p><h2><b>Why Rockets need Amen Thompson in the rotation</b></h2><p>The Rockets need to make changes to the starting lineup. It doesn’t have to be major, but inserting Amen Thompson can provide more versatility on defense as well as increase the pace on offense. Adding another playmaker to the starting five will reduce VanVleet’s ball-handling responsibilities and open up more opportunities to get to the basket.</p><p>Moreover, the overreliance on Sengun and VanVleet’s pick-and-roll has been overwhelmingly countered by opponents. While this might reduce shooting efficiency, Udoka’s Rockets need an edge in speed and pace of play. The Rockets, as young as they are, <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/advanced">fall to 17th</a> in overall pace.</p><p>Continuing to blindly trust Jalen Green to reach superstardom has reached a point of no return. If Udoka had initial thoughts, it’s time to act on them. Thompson deserves recognition; he should be the starting shooting guard. Green clearly needs an NBA wakeup call as his offensive game continues to deteriorate.</p><p>It’s uncertain if he will consistently realize his talent at the NBA level. Unfortunately for him, a major wakeup call to his performance is necessary. Thompson has improved significantly over the course of this NBA season. Let’s give him a chance to start in the rotation.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets: Amen Thompson’s recent resurgence must force Ime Udoka to make roster change

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-amen-thompson-take-on-cam-whitmore-hints-bright-future');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets: Amen Thompson’s ‘triplet’ take on Cam Whitmore hints at rookies’ bright future');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rockets_news_Amen_Thompson_s__triplet__take_on_Cam_Whitmore_hints_at_rookies__bright_future.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets: Amen Thompson’s ‘triplet’ take on Cam Whitmore hints at rookies’ bright future</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-24T13:03:03-08:00">February 24th, 1:03pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-24T13:03:03-08:00">February 24th, 1:03pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing. Go Titans, go Ducks, and go Kraken!</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/suns-vs-rockets-prediction-odds-pick-how-to-watch-2-23-2024" rel="noopener">Rockets found a way</a> to beat the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. It was an exciting game as some of the rookies on the roster stepped up in a big way. After the contest, Amen Thompson couldn’t help but hype up his teammate, Cam Whitmore, after the two had another solid outing.</p><p>Thompson and Whitmore have built <a href="https://twitter.com/JTGatlin/status/1761237960651940061" rel="noopener">an uncanny chemistry</a> on the court. So much so, Amen Thompson called Cam Whitmore his “triplet,” according to Rockets’ sideline reporter, Vanessa Richardson. If anything, this may prove Houston has a bright future after all.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SportsVanessa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsVanessa</a> asks Amen Thompson about his chemistry with Cam Whitmore:</p><p>“I’ve thrown around the twin word too loosely, but that’s like my triplet. That’s my quadruplet, after Ausar and Alpi. Cam Thompson.” <a href="https://t.co/2GInILpInw">pic.twitter.com/2GInILpInw</a></p><p>— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/JTGatlin/status/1761237960651940061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>It’s awesome to see rookies and prospects figure it out in real time. The Rockets’ rookies have been on a tear recently. Amen Thompson’s numbers have drastically increased in February, as he’s averaged 13.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game in this month. Additionally, he’s shooting with 60.4% accuracy, making him incredibly efficient for the Rockets.</p><p>Meanwhile, Cam Whitmore has received a bump in playing time and he’s proving to be a reliable option <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-slump-with-24-30-record-heading-into-the-all-star-break" rel="noopener">for the Rockets</a>. In his last 10 games, the rookie small forward has averaged 17.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He’s also shooting 46.9% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc.</p><p>Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore are looking more and more like franchise players the Rockets can build around. If that’s the case, Houston could be back in contention as early as next season. The remainder of this season is crucial though, as Thompson and Whitmore have an opportunity to build more chemistry and develop their skillsets.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets: Amen Thompson’s ‘triplet’ take on Cam Whitmore hints at rookies’ bright future

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-amen-thompson-nba-4-decade-drought-controversial-win-knicks');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Amen Thompson ends NBA’s 4-decade drought in controversial win vs Knicks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rockets_news_Amen_Thompson_ends_NBA_s_4-decade_drought_in_controversial_win_vs_Knicks.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Amen Thompson ends NBA’s 4-decade drought in controversial win vs Knicks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-02-12T20:19:12-08:00">February 12th, 8:19pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-02-12T20:19:52-08:00">February 12th, 8:19pm</time><address><a>Rexwell Villas</a>Rexwell Villas is a Communications Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and he claims to have JR Smith's conscience with his shot selection. He is an experienced sports writer covering a variety of sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college football. He has won a basketball, a baseball, and a football championship in fantasy all within a year.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Rockets finally ended a four-game losing skid with a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-rockets-prediction-odds-pick-how-to-watch-2-12-2024" rel="noopener">105-103 victory at home Monday night</a> over the visiting New York Knicks. But there’s another drought the team ended, with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-amen-thompson-cam-whitmore-nba-rising-stars" rel="noopener">Houston youngster</a> Amen Thompson becoming just the first rookie in over four decades to amass at least 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals while shooting over 80 percent from the field in the same contest (h/t Stat Muse).</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amen Thompson is the first rookie in over 40 seasons with </p><p>10+ REB<br>5+ AST<br>5+ STL<br>80+ FG%</p><p>in a game. <a href="https://t.co/BtUjysksng">pic.twitter.com/BtUjysksng</a></p><p>— StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1757248475975020803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>By the end of the game, Thompson had collected eight points, 13 boards, five assists, five steals, and a 4-for-5 shooting line from the field.</p><p>Making the night better for Thompson was the upset win against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks. The game appeared to be headed to overtime until Aaron Holiday got fouled by Brunson while <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1757246626303815993" rel="noopener">attempting a desperate shot</a> from behind the arc. Holiday was able to sink two of three free-throw tries to give the Rockets the win following a wild ending.</p><h2><b>Ausar Thompson is still gaining experience with the Rockets</b></h2><p>Thompson is still finding his footing in the pros, but there’s certainly plenty of promise in the potential of the 21-year-old forward. He entered the Knicks game averaging 7.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per outing while shooting 50.3 percent from the field. Thompson has yet to develop a reliable outside shot, but that’s something he can work on as he gains more experience in the NBA.</p><p>Thompson and the Rockets will look to sustain their newfound momentum when they hit the road again for an upcoming showdown versus the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Amen Thompson ends NBA’s 4-decade drought in controversial win vs Knicks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-amen-thompson-cam-whitmore-nba-rising-stars');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore snubbed from NBA Rising Stars Challenge');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rockets-news-amen-thompson-cam-whitmore-snubbed-from-nba-rising-stars-challenge.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore snubbed from NBA Rising Stars Challenge</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-01-30T15:59:21-08:00">January 30th, 3:59pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-01-30T15:59:21-08:00">January 30th, 3:59pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>There are less than two weeks until the inaugural NBA All-Star game, and Commissioner Adam Silver just released the Rising Stars roster. Notable rookies include Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Jaime Jacques Jr. Predictably enough, each of these three rookies currently rank top three in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting. On the unpredictable, Houston Rockets players Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson were <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2834189" rel="noopener">unexpectedly left off the roster</a> and will not be participating on the rookies team, via Chicco Nacion of theScore.</p><p>The only notable Rockets player on the Rising Stars teams is Jabari Smith Jr., who is on the sophomore side. Smith is making his second Rising Stars appearance, and has had terrific improvement since last season. Along with his points per game, each of his shooting splits list significant increases in a span of a season. It’s certainly respectable that he received another spot alongside Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, and Benedict Mathurin.</p><h2><b>Rockets’ Rising Stars game snubs</b></h2><p>On the rookies side, it’s surprising to see Thompson and Whitmore not receive selections. From a non-Rockets fan, it’s certainly arguable to leave Thompson off the roster due to his month long injury early in the season. While he is steadily improving, his playing time is still on the lower end.</p><p>Whitmore’s absence on the other hand raises eyebrows. Out of all the rookies, Whitmore is third in total points in 2024 behind Holmgren and Wembanyama.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The top 3 rookies in points scored in the NBA in the year 2024:</p><p>1. Victor Wembanyama: 315 <br>2. Chet Holmgren: 236<br>3. Cam Whitmore: 206</p><p>Mins Played ⬇️</p><p>1. Victor Wembanyama: 344<br>2. Chet Holmgren: 488<br>3. Cam Whitmore: 312</p><p>Cam Whitmore, 20th pick, is on the scene  <a href="https://twitter.com/_camwhitmore_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_camwhitmore_</a> <a href="https://t.co/NZp29BTFuT">pic.twitter.com/NZp29BTFuT</a></p><p>— Rockets Astros Texans (@HTXHooper) <a href="https://twitter.com/HTXHooper/status/1752355684186734927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><h2><b>Slam Whitmore</b></h2><p>Simply put, the young man is a bucket getter. In just 23 games, the 19-year old averages eleven points per game in 16.4 minutes on 48.2% shooting and 39.2% from deep. Doubling down, in the last three games, Whitmore averaged 21 points with 8.7 rebounds in just 22.5 minutes. His overall scoring is the same or higher than six players on the rookies Rising Stars roster, but in nearly half the time. This includes players such as second overall pick Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trailblazers and eleventh overall pick Bilal Coulibaly of the Washington Wizards.</p><p>Arguing against his selection because he’s played in half the NBA games is the only reason why he wouldn’t be on the list. Nevertheless, the Villanova product is a breath of fresh air for the Rockets and could have had NBA media turning heads during the All-Star festivities.</p><p>Per <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-cam-whitmore-declines-nba-dunk-contest-invite-to-focus-on-main-goals" rel="noopener">his comments</a> on the NBA Slam Dunk contest, Whitmore was excited to possibly have the chance to represent the Rising Stars. This omission will likely motivate him to elevate his performance further as the NBA season progresses. Adding more to his case, Whitmore was a large part in the Rockets blowout against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, including nine straight points in ninety seconds.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cam Whitmore scoring 9 straight points in 90 seconds in RIDICULOUS fashion. <a href="https://t.co/VCZ38hiyHQ">pic.twitter.com/VCZ38hiyHQ</a></p><p>— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradeauxNBA/status/1752145600630444380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore snubbed from NBA Rising Stars Challenge

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-rookie-amen-thompsons-lockdown-defense-a-part-of-his-overcoming-adversity');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets rookie Amen Thompson’s ‘lockdown’ defense a part of his overcoming adversity');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/rockets-news-amen-thompsons-lockdown-defense-a-part-of-his-overcoming-adversity.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets rookie Amen Thompson’s ‘lockdown’ defense a part of his overcoming adversity</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-01-21T14:36:04-08:00">January 21st, 2:36pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-01-21T14:36:04-08:00">January 21st, 2:36pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Rockets faced the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, beating them 127-126 in an overtime thriller to finally get back to their winning ways after a forgettable 1-5 road trip. Potential All-Star Alperen Sengun tied his career high with 37 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. notched a double-double as the duo combined for 61 points. These two provided the main bulk of the scoring, but one player who would be a sin not to mention is rookie Amen Thompson.</p><h2><b>Growing pains</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NBA-Draft-news-Amen-Ausar-Thompson-speak-out-on-going-back-to-back-to-Rockets-Pistons.jpg"></figure><p>It’s no secret Amen Thompson had a slow start to the season. In just his fourth career game, Thompson suffered a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-amen-thompson-out-ankle-sprain-what-injury-means-for-houston" rel="noopener">Grade 2 ankle sprain,</a> keeping him out for over a month.</p><p>To add insult to injury, his twin brother who was drafted right after him, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, was stuffing the stat sheet in the early going. From Oct. 30 to Nov. 14, Ausar averaged 14.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.7 steals and 3.3 assists. Throughout their amateur career, the twins and older brother Tony built a healthy competition, aiming to get an upper hand. While both Ausar and Amen made it to the NBA, the competition still co-exists among the two. This injury hurt Amen, as he had to watch his brother excel from the sidelines.</p><p>“I don’t hold grudges, he [Ausar] doesn’t either,” Amen said. “But when we get back on the court, it goes back to that [competitiveness].”</p><h2><b>Amen Thompson finally coming around</b></h2><p>Slow starts for rookies are common, but injuries are the last thing they want because they hinder their NBA development. Fast forward to the present, and Amen Thompson has steadily improved since his return from injury, showcasing the skills the Rockets drafted him for, including playmaking, quick passes, and defense.</p><p>In the month of January, Thompson is averaging 7.4 points, 2.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 49.2% shooting in 17.2 minutes per game. While his three-point shooting hasn’t fully developed, his passing game with Cam Whitmore, Smith, Sengun, and Dillon Brooks is a joy to watch. Thompson is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/passing" rel="noopener">averaging 3.5 potential assists</a> and 5.2 assists leading to created points.</p><h2><b>Lockdown defense down the stretch</b></h2><p>Amen Thompson’s recent matchup against the Utah Jazz highlighted his defensive prowess. In the final minutes when the Jazz and Rockets traded leads, coach Ime Udoka made the quick decision to sub in Thompson over Jalen Green when Utah had the ball in the frontcourt, demonstrating the trust he has in the 19-year-old rookie.</p><p>Standing at 6’7, Thompson can guard multiple positions and possesses impressive verticality when contesting shots. Udoka’s decision paid off as Thompson secured a crucial block on Collin Sexton’s pump-fake floater attempt, preserving the Rockets’ 127-126 lead with 30.5 seconds left on the clock. Without Thompson’s presence, Utah could have sealed the game in overtime.</p><p> </p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">AMEN THOMPSON WITH THE CLUTCH BLOCK! <a href="https://t.co/KLcNU1aNPm">pic.twitter.com/KLcNU1aNPm</a></p><p>— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) <a href="https://twitter.com/clutchfans/status/1748915696472351059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“It’s kind of who he [Thompson] is,” Udoka said, after the win. “Not on an NBA level, but he’s been a lockdown guy his whole life. Just an experienced part with different matchups with different guys. The more he plays, the better he’ll get. That’s one thing we’re confident in translating to the NBA right away.”</p><p>Like most rookies, Amen Thompson has experienced some growing pains when adjusting to the NBA. Some rookies take weeks, possibly even months, to find their footing, and development isn’t always linear. At the literal midpoint of the NBA season, we might be witnessing glimpses of Thompson’s potential after his sluggish start.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson’s ‘lockdown’ defense a part of his overcoming adversity

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-cam-whitmore-amen-thompson-finding-nba-groove');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets rookies Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson finally finding NBA groove');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Rockets_rookies_Cam_Whitmore_Amen_Thompson_finally_finding_NBA_groove.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets rookies Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson finally finding NBA groove</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-01-04T20:50:25-08:00">January 4th, 8:50pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-01-04T20:50:25-08:00">January 4th, 8:50pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>HOUSTON – In a game against the Brooklyn Nets, trouble brewed for the Houston Rockets. First, they still played without their starting small forward, Dillon Brooks, who has been sidelined with an <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/rockets-dillon-brooks-remains-out-against-brooklyn/">oblique strain</a> for over a week. To make matters worse, Tari Eason’s ongoing leg soreness was downgraded from questionable to out, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-senguns-superstar-rise-draws-rave-fred-vanvleet-reviews" rel="noopener">leaving the Rockets without</a> two of their key premier defenders.</p><h2><b>Rockets rookies coming alive</b></h2><p>Facing the challenge of missing two key players, the Rockets rose to the occasion. While Alperen Sengun dominated, rookies Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson shined, providing exactly what the team needed.</p><p>They played 20 and 17 minutes, respectively, combining for a total of 21 points. With help from these anticipated rookies, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-joins-exclusive-houston-club-amid-scoring-outburst" rel="noopener">the Rockets outscored</a> the Nets 63-51 in the second half, including a 38-point third quarter after a tough first half. Down the stretch, Whitmore and Thompson played alongside Jalen Green, creating an extremely entertaining lineup.</p><p>For a team that relies heavily on its starting lineup, the Rockets’ thin depth might not be as much of a concern as previously thought. Finally, it appears the rookies are demonstrating the main reasons why the Rockets drafted them.</p><p>At the beginning of the season, both players faced challenges. Thompson, selected 4th overall, was thrust into the role of backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet due to Kevin Porter Jr.’s off-court issues, which led to a trade.</p><h2><b>Thompson’s journey</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rockets-news-houston-makes-crucial-amen-thompson-roster-decision.webp"></figure><p>Thompson’s raw talents in facilitating, defense, and driving to the rim needed further development, and adapting to substantial minutes in the NBA took time. To ease this transition, the Rockets signed veteran guard Aaron Holiday as insurance.</p><p>As a result, the rookie had a slow start, averaging seven points while shooting 42.1% on 6.3 attempted shots in 18 minutes per game. However, Thompson’s progress was hampered when he suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain in his fourth career game, causing him to miss over a month. This increased VanVleet’s workload to an average of 39 minutes in 19 of the 32 games played.</p><p>Upon Thompson’s return, it took some time for him to find his rhythm as the backup point guard. Since the turn of the calendar year, Thompson has steadily improved and is currently playing his best basketball.</p><p>In the last two games, the rookie has averaged eleven points with 3.5 assists and five rebounds while shooting 61.2% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. These impressive statistics come from just 48 minutes of play over both games, offering a promising sign for the Rockets and relieving VanVleet’s heavy workload.</p><h2><b>Humbling Whitmore</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rockets-news-Cam-Whitmore-inks-major-contract-ahead-of-2023-24-NBA-season.jpg"></figure><p>Now, let’s discuss another rookie, Cam Whitmore. The Villanova product was eager to make an impact in the NBA from the start. Despite being selected 20th overall, Whitmore initially struggled with communication and consistency on both ends of the floor.</p><p>While he won the 2023 Summer League MVP and led the Rockets to the Summer League Finals, the NBA presented different challenges. Effective communication, consistency, solid defense, and ball-sharing are vital in the NBA. Initially, Whitmore struggled in virtually all of these important assets, which was a prime reason why he rode the bench.</p><p>Coach Ime Udoka decided to keep Whitmore grounded by sending him to the G-League after a couple of unproductive games in the NBA. This decision ultimately proved beneficial. In 13 games with the Rio Grande Vipers, Whitmore transformed into a G-League star, averaging 26.2 points, shooting 47.5% from the field, and hitting 39% from beyond the arc.</p><p>He excelled as a perimeter defender, recording 2.1 steals and 6.8 rebounds. Rockets fans eagerly awaited his transition to the NBA.</p><h2><b>Not here yet</b></h2><p>During this time, Whitmore had brief stints with the Rockets before being sent back to the G-League. While he was on the roster, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-ime-udoka-houston-cam-whitmore-minutes" rel="noopener">Whitmore hardly received minutes</a> on the court. There were tons of campaigns online to try and convince the Rockets to play the rookie. However, just three days before Christmas, Rafael Stone announced that Whitmore, along with Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuels Jr., would be joining the team for the second time.</p><p>This time, it felt different. Things began to shift in Whitmore’s favor. Two days after Christmas, the Rockets sent Samuels and Hinton back to the G-League, but Whitmore stayed.</p><p>This was a clear indication that he would remain on the Rockets roster for the foreseeable future, and he hasn’t missed a beat. Whitmore always looks for scoring opportunities as soon as he steps on the floor, and he has found them with ease.</p><p>In each game he’s played since December 22nd, the 19-year-old has shot 18-of-31 from the field and 8-of-16 from beyond the three-point line. Furthermore, every time he takes the court, Rockets fans erupt with excitement, quickly establishing him as a fan favorite.</p><h2><b>Eager for more</b></h2><p>Both Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore are drafted for a reason. Alongside Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green, they are poised to be key components of the young Rockets’ core for the foreseeable future. The sky is the limit for this talented group.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets rookies Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson finally finding NBA groove

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-houston-makes-crucial-amen-thompson-roster-decision');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets make crucial Amen Thompson roster decision');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rockets-news-houston-makes-crucial-amen-thompson-roster-decision.webp"></figure><h1>Rockets make crucial Amen Thompson roster decision</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-12-09T17:07:01-08:00">December 9th, 5:07pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-12-09T17:07:01-08:00">December 9th, 5:07pm</time><address><a>David Yapkowitz</a>David is an NBA Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is based in Los Angeles and currently covers basketball at every level from NBA/WNBA to men/women college and boys/girls high school.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Rockets had a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-houston-makes-surprising-cam-whitmore-move-amid-amen-thompson-injury" rel="noopener">very good</a> 2023 NBA Draft. The Rockets selected Amen Thompson with the No. 4 overall pick and Cam Whitmore with the No. 20 overall pick. Both players have the potential to be among the best in their draft class. Amen Thompson had recently suffered an ankle injury and was assigned to the G League for recovery, but his <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSpolane/status/1733508989927796875" rel="noopener">return</a> to the regular lineup appears imminent as per Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rockets recalled Amen Thompson from RGV. He played 33 minutes in Birmingham yesterday, so it looks like he should be available to play Monday night against the Spurs</p><p>— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSpolane/status/1733508989927796875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Amen Thompson has been out of the lineup for the Rockets for about a month with the ankle injury but the team had assigned him to the G League this past week. He suited up for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in two games. His first game he finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. He followed that up with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.</p><p>Thompson had only managed to appear in four games so far for the Rockets this season. He was coming off the bench and playing a little under 17 minutes per game. He had been averaging 6.3 points per game,  2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists with splits of 40.9 percent shooting from the field, 18.2 percent shooting from the the three point line and 62.5 percent shooting from the free throw line.</p><p>Thompson and his twin brother Ausar became the first players from Overtime Elite to be selected in the NBA Draft. San Antonio Spurs forward Dominick Barlow was the first Overtime Elite player in general to make it to the NBA. Thompson is part of a very solid young Rockets core.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets make crucial Amen Thompson roster decision

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-amen-thompson-g-league-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets assign Amen Thompson to G League after injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Amen-Thompson-gets-tough-ankle-injury-update-after-leaving-NBA-Summer-League-debut-early.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets assign Amen Thompson to G League after injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-12-05T07:57:23-08:00">December 5th, 7:57am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-12-05T08:10:50-08:00">December 5th, 8:10am</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/joey.mistretta/" rel="facebook">Joey Mistretta</a>Joey Mistretta is a Dallas Mavericks beat reporter and lead MLB editor for ClutchPoints. He is originally from a small town in Southern California. Mistretta graduated college with a degree in broadcast journalism from Biola University.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Houston Rockets <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcJSpears/status/1732062871163646341" rel="noopener">assigned</a> Amen Thompson to the G League, via Marc J. Spears of ESPN. Thompson, who has battled an ankle injury, will likely play a couple games in the G League before returning to the NBA.</p><p>Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has played in just four games for the Rockets this season. He has been <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-amen-thompson-taking-major-steps-towards-return-from-ankle-injury" rel="noopener">working hard to return</a>, however, and this move suggests he could join the Rockets fairly soon.</p><p>The Rockets currently hold an 8-9 record. Houston has exceeded some expectations but they still have certainly <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-amen-thompson-out-ankle-sprain-what-injury-means-for-houston" rel="noopener">missed Thompson’s presence on the floor</a>. Through his four games played in 2023-24, Thompson posted 6.3 points per contest in 16.8 minutes per game.</p><h2><b>Amen Thompson injury update</b></h2><p>There have not been many Thompson injury updates as of late. Kelly Iko of The Athletic previously <a href="https://theathletic.com/5046881/2023/11/09/lebron-james-dillon-brooks-lakers-rockets/?access_token=68838&amp;redirected=1" rel="noopener">provided an update</a> on the young Rockets star which gave a loose timeline for a return.</p><p>“I caught up with rookie Thompson briefly after the game, who told me he’s feeling great and is itching to get back on the floor. He’s no longer in a walking boot. And, while he said a return this week is unlikely. We’ll see if he’s cleared to resume basketball activities after that.”</p><p>The Rockets could emerge as a contender in the Western Conference moving forward. If Amen Thompson can return and perform at a high level, Houston will unquestionably improve as a team overall.</p><p>We will continue to monitor and provide updates on Thompson and the Rockets as they are made available.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets assign Amen Thompson to G League after injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-amen-thompson-taking-major-steps-towards-return-from-ankle-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets’ Amen Thompson taking major steps towards return from ankle injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rockets-news-amen-thompson-taking-major-steps-towards-return-from-ankle-injury.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets’ Amen Thompson taking major steps towards return from ankle injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-11-09T16:30:49-08:00">November 9th, 4:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-11-09T16:30:49-08:00">November 9th, 4:30pm</time><address><a>Jay Postrado</a>Jay is a lifelong motorsports and tennis fan. His need for speed may no longer be on the grid or courts but has stayed with him through writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Ime Udoka has been managing his young core of Houston Rockets players fairly well. A huge addition in terms of veteran leadership on the work was Fred VanVleet. He made guys like Tari Eason, and Jabari Smith Jr. take a big leap in the first few games of the season. But, one high-caliber player has been lagging behind and that is Amen Thompson. He went down before finishing the fourth game of their campaign. However, signs are looking positive which points to a near return.</p><p>Kelly Iko of The Athletic noted that a<a href="https://theathletic.com/5046881/2023/11/09/lebron-james-dillon-brooks-lakers-rockets/?access_token=68838&amp;redirected=1" rel="noopener"> fast injury recovery process</a> is in the works for <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-houston-makes-surprising-cam-whitmore-move-amid-amen-thompson-injury" rel="noopener">the Rockets’ young bucket-getter</a>, “I caught up<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-amen-thompson-out-ankle-sprain-what-injury-means-for-houston" rel="noopener"> with rookie Amen Thompson</a> briefly after the game, who told me he’s feeling great and is itching to get back on the floor. He’s no longer in a walking boot. And, while he said a return this week is unlikely. We’ll see if he’s cleared to resume basketball activities after that.”</p><p>There have not been a lot of opportunities for the Rockets rookie to shine. Although, he has made the most of his nearly 17 minutes of playing time. Thompson notched 6.2 points per game along with dropping 1.5 dimes on average. This mixed with his tenacity to clean up the boards 2.8 times per showdown could make him a lethal all-around threat. He can offer so much in the Rockets system.</p><p>He could be able to take the backup role for Fred VanVleet if Ime Udoka permits and sees his growth. Being the offensive engine with cogs like Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. who are getting good on the three levels of scoring will surely make him a better player in his first year.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets’ Amen Thompson taking major steps towards return from ankle injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-news-houston-makes-surprising-cam-whitmore-move-amid-amen-thompson-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rockets make surprising Cam Whitmore move amid Amen Thompson injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rockets-news-houston-makes-surprising-cam-whitmore-move-amid-amen-thompson-injury.jpg"></figure><h1>Rockets make surprising Cam Whitmore move amid Amen Thompson injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-11-07T16:52:11-08:00">November 7th, 4:52pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-11-07T17:00:33-08:00">November 7th, 5:00pm</time><address><a>Jack Winter</a>Jack Winter is a veteran NBA writer and editor based on the West Coast. He currently lives in Oakland, covering the last legs of the Golden State Warriors' dynasty.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>So much for the silver lining of Amen Thompson’s ankle injury being a bigger role for Cam Whitmore. The Houston Rockets are sending the<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-cam-whitmore-summer-league-mvp-awards" rel="noopener"> Summer League MVP</a> down to the G League for a <a href="https://twitter.com/mshap2/status/1721993246820151766" rel="noopener">stint with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers</a>, according to Michael Shapiro of the Houston Chronicle.</p><p>The move has yet to be made public and it’s reportedly unclear when the Rockets will announce it. Teams across the G League tipped off training camp last week in preparation for the 2023-24 season. The Vipers open the regular season on Friday with a road tilt against the Memphis Hustle.</p><p>Whitmore has been out of Ime Udoka’s rotation in the season’s early going, all of his minutes coming in garbage time of three different games. The rookie scored his first NBA points early in the fourth quarter of Houston’s blowout win over the shorthanded Sacramento Kings on Monday, a game he finished with seven points on 3-of-5 shooting while playing the entire final stanza.</p><h2><b>No Rockets role for Cam Whitmore despite Amen Thompson’s injury</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Rockets_Summer_League_X_Amen_Thompson_Cam_Whitmore_reactions_from_Vegas_opener.jpg"></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-amen-thompson-out-ankle-sprain-what-injury-means-for-houston" rel="noopener">Thompson sprained his right ankle</a> against the Charlotte Hornets last week. He was later diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain, Udoka telling reporters the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft would be sidelined for “weeks.”</p><p>While Thompson and Whitmore play different positions and occupy different roles in Houston, there was an assumption the former’s injury and uncertain timeline to return could create a path for Whitmore to find his way to the floor. Instead, the 19-year-old remain far outside Udoka’s regular playing rotation in back-to-back wins over the Kings, also failing to see any minutes against Charlotte after Thompson went down.</p><p>It’s tough to argue with the Rockets’ recent results. They’re 3-0 in the last three games, effectively playing a nine-man rotation that includes 37-year-old Jeff Green, who notched just 10 total minutes in consecutive blowout victories against Sacramento. Veteran guard Aaron Holiday has been the main beneficiary of Thompson’s absence, averaging 17.0 minutes in Houston’s past three games after not getting off the bench in back-to-back losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors to close out October.</p><p>Additional playmaking behind Fred VanVleet is what the Rockets need most with Thompson out. Still, it’s somewhat surprising Whitmore isn’t being given the opportunity to play with the Rockets’ regulars, especially after his athleticism, physicality and burgeoning shot-making prowess flashed during preseason action.</p><p>Even more vexing is that veteran wing Reggie Bullock, who <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-reggie-bullock-signing-training-camp" rel="noopener">signed with Houston</a> at the start of training camp after being bought out by the San Antonio Spurs, has been stuck in his deep bench role amid Thompson’s injury. Bullock’s low usage offensively makes him a good fit for a Rockets team that needs connectors, and he’s the most proven wing defender on the roster other than offseason acquisition Dillon Brooks, who’s playing the best basketball of his career in the season’s early going.</p><p>Tari Eason’s likely debut against the Los Angeles Lakers likely looms large here. Once fully healthy and re-acclimated to the NBA game, the sophomore forward is a shoo-in for Udoka’s nightly rotation.</p><p>It goes without saying that Whitmore will get more burn in Rio Grande this season than he ever would’ve in Houston. Given context of Thompson’s injury and the Rockets’ ongoing win streak surrounding his first G League assignment, though, it’s more clear than ever that Whitmore is unlikely to get sustained developmental reps in games during his first NBA go-around—at least until Houston falls firmly out of the play-in tournament mix come early spring, that is.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rockets make surprising Cam Whitmore move amid Amen Thompson injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rockets-amen-thompson-out-ankle-sprain-what-injury-means-for-houston');   ga('set', 'title', 'Amen Thompson out with ankle sprain: What rookie’s injury means for Rockets');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/What-rookie_s-injury-means-Rockets.jpg"></figure><h1>Amen Thompson out with ankle sprain: What rookie’s injury means for Rockets</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-11-02T15:10:49-07:00">November 2nd, 3:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-11-02T15:22:47-07:00">November 2nd, 3:22pm</time><address><a>Jeremy Gretzer</a>Jeremy Gretzer joins ClutchPoints with a unique blend of experience in both the performing arts and sports journalism. A Houston native, Jeremy is happy to receive the opportunity as a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Rockets. During his tenure at Back Sports Page, he honed his skills in sports writing, social media, and reporting, gaining valuable experience and having the opportunity to interact with notable figures from the NBA during media day, various charity, and pro camps events. His approach is analytical yet accessible, ensuring dedicated fans and casual readers alike can appreciate his insights.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>HOUSTON — It took a few tries, but Ime Udoka’s Houston Rockets clinched their first win of the young season on Wednesday night. All starters scored at least 17 points, leading to a solid <a href="https://www.nba.com/game/cha-vs-hou-0022300122/box-score#box-score" rel="noopener">128-119</a> victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The win was a positive step for the revamped Rockets, though it came with the setback of Amen Thompson’s injury.</p><p>The No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft and a pivotal part of the Rockets’ future, Thompson sustained a Grade 2 ankle sprain in Wednesday’s game, mirroring an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-amen-thompson-ankle-injury-update-summer-league" rel="noopener">injury he suffered following a brief yet impressive appearance</a> at Las Vegas Summer League. Although this sprain is on the opposite ankle, eliminating concerns of compounded recovery issues from his previous injury, Thompson is still expected to miss quite some time.</p><p>Players typically require 2-4 weeks to recover from Grade 2 sprains, depending on their individual healing process. For Thompson, the timing of this injury could not have been worse</p><p>The former Overtime Elite prospect has been rather shaky over the first few games of his career, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40.9% shooting in nearly 17 minutes of play backing up veteran Fred VanVleet. Known for his passing and facilitating prior to entering the league, Thompson has yet to showcase those playmaking skills effectively off the bench.</p><p>With an injury likely keeping him out for a month, Thompson’s acclimation to the NBA game will no doubt be prolonged. It’s a tough development to tipoff what should still be a very promising career. But what does Thompson’s injury and resulting absence mean for the Rockets?</p><h2><b>Rockets depth faces more challenges</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/NBA-rumors-Ime-Udoka-takes-1-step-closer-to-Rockets-head-coaching-job.jpg"></figure><p>With <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-houston-worrisome-tari-eason-injury-update-ahead-of-2023-24-season" rel="noopener">Tari Eason</a> and now Amen Thompson injured, Houston is without two key players from whom they desperately need playing time. It’ll be up to Jeff Green, Jae’Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Reggie Bullock to replace their minutes. Speaking of Holiday, he took the court following Thompson’s injury and performed well in his absence, scoring six points with two threes in 11 minutes.</p><p>While Holiday may not possess the playmaking prowess of Thompson, his proficiency as a three-point shooter is subtly impressive, particularly when it comes to assisted three-pointers. Regardless of the team’s improved long-range frenzy Wednesday night, making threes consistently is something the Rockets need to improve on moving forward.</p><p>Inserting Holiday in the mix off the bench will surely boost the chances they do it. During his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks last year, Holiday not only shot 40.9% from beyond the arc, but also excelled in converting catch-and-shoot triples, hitting an impressive 43.5%. Inserting Holiday in the mix more often could boost the bench’s outside scoring, especially because Bullock hasn’t been performing as expected.</p><h2><b>It’s time for Cam Whitmore</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Rockets-news-Cam-Whitmore-inks-major-contract-ahead-of-2023-24-NBA-season.jpg"></figure><p>If you’re searching for silver linings, Thompson’s injury presents more opportunities for Udoka to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-ime-udoka-houston-cam-whitmore-minutes" rel="noopener">include rookie Cam Whitmore</a> in the rotation. From a fan perspective, it’s quite comical Whitmore has already received three straight DNPs after playing 10 minutes in garbage time against the Orlando Magic.</p><p>Houston has not utilized the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-cam-whitmore-summer-league-mvp-awards" rel="noopener">Summer League MVP’s</a> exceptional scoring ability, athleticism, defensive versatility and rebounding prowess to their full potential in the season’s early going as he’s largely remained on the bench, eagerly awaiting playing time. At 6’7″, Whitmore could significantly enhance Tate and Jeff Green’s fast-break efforts with his presence on the court. While his facilitating skills require improvement, they are likely to develop with time and increased opportunities.</p><p>That is, if Whitmore is granted them, of course.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2023-24 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
9.5	6.6	2.6	0.6	1.3

2023-24 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
9.5	6.6	2.6	0.6	1.3

Amen Thompson news

Amen
Thompson news