Amen Thompson’s Grit and Growth Power Rockets’ Resilience in 2025 Season

Amen Thompson Emerges as Houston’s Relentless Engine

It’s late November 2025, and the Houston Rockets are carving out an identity built on grit, teamwork, and the ever-evolving game of Amen Thompson. The third-year guard, drafted fourth overall in 2023, has become more than just a promising prospect—he’s now central to Houston’s resurgence, a fact underscored by the team’s comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

With key players like Kevin Durant and Steven Adams sidelined, the Rockets turned to their bench depth and rising stars. Reed Sheppard, thrust into the starting lineup, exploded for a career-high 31 points, while Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Aaron Holiday all chipped in double figures. But it was Thompson’s workmanlike performance—10 points, a towering 14 rebounds, and a crucial late-game bucket—that exemplified the Rockets’ brand of basketball.

Thompson’s Growth: From Prospect to Two-Way Force

For Amen Thompson, the journey this season has been about balancing expectations and embracing new responsibilities. As RocketsWire/USA Today reports, Thompson’s efficiency numbers dipped early in the 2025–26 campaign, with his true shooting percentage dropping from last season’s 60.2% to 54.8%. Yet, the last two games—against Denver and Phoenix—have signaled a turning point. Thompson averaged 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, shooting nearly 59% from the field and a flawless 100% from the free-throw line. The timing couldn’t be better, as Houston pushes through a tough stretch in the schedule.

Dillon Brooks, a tenacious defender now with the Phoenix Suns but previously a mentor to Thompson in Houston, summed up the young guard’s rise succinctly: “His growth has been tremendous. He knows how to score in the paint, and he guards the best player every night.” Brooks’ endorsement carries weight—his own reputation as a defensive stopper is well-established, and his words highlight Thompson’s transformation into a genuine two-way threat.

Warriors Clash: Resilience and Role Players Step Up

Wednesday’s rematch with the Warriors, the team that ousted Houston in a dramatic Game 7 last postseason, was a test of character. The Rockets shot just 9-of-28 in the opening quarter, struggling to find rhythm. By halftime, they trailed by 12, and at one point, the deficit reached 14. But Houston’s formula—defense and offensive rebounding—kept hope alive.

Reed Sheppard’s offensive outburst was the obvious headline, but Thompson’s impact was quieter and just as crucial. He battled for 14 boards, often outmuscling bigger Warriors in the paint, and delivered a key basket late in the fourth, catching a fast pass from Sheppard in mid-air and banking it in—an athletic, instinctive finish that broke the tie and swung momentum Houston’s way. Sengun contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while Clint Capela grabbed 12 boards, helping Houston out-rebound Golden State 66-54, with a remarkable 25-13 edge on the offensive glass (The Dream Shake).

The Rockets’ defense also forced 16 Warriors turnovers, converting them into 22 points. The game’s physicality was palpable: both Thompson and Steph Curry collided hard under the basket in the final minutes, a moment emblematic of Houston’s aggressive approach. The challenge review overturned an offensive foul call against Thompson to a block by Curry, allowing the Rockets to maintain their push.

Team Identity: Defense, Depth, and Thompson’s Leadership

Houston’s ability to win without its stars is becoming a defining trait. This was their third victory of the season after trailing by at least 14 points. The resilience runs deeper than just statistics; it’s an attitude, fostered by Coach Ime Udoka and embodied by players like Thompson. Even with his scoring numbers fluctuating, Thompson’s net rating differential remains the highest on the team, with Houston outscoring opponents by over 10 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor.

Thompson’s responsibilities extend beyond the box score. He’s often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player, and his versatility—defending wings, contesting rebounds, initiating fast breaks—has made him indispensable. The mentorship from veterans like Brooks over the past two seasons has paid dividends, turning Thompson into a player capable of leading by example, not just by talent.

On a night when Houston’s offense sputtered, and the team missed nine free throws, it was the collective effort—anchored by Thompson’s hustle—that secured the win. The Rockets, now 11-4, have strung together 11 victories in their last 13 games, a testament to their depth and adaptability.

Looking Ahead: Rockets Build on Momentum

Despite the victory, Houston will not advance to the knockout round of the NBA Cup, as Memphis’ win over the Pelicans dashed their hopes. Still, the win over Golden State was more than consolation—it was a statement. The team heads into a back-to-back against Utah with renewed confidence, hoping for Durant’s return but knowing that their success doesn’t hinge on any single star.

Thompson’s recent performances suggest that his early-season struggles may be behind him. The Rockets’ system, which values defensive intensity and rebounding, fits his skill set perfectly. With young talent like Sheppard stepping up and veterans offering guidance, Houston’s foundation looks solid as the season unfolds.

As the Rockets gather for Thanksgiving, there’s plenty to be grateful for: a roster that fights for every possession, a young leader growing into his role, and a team identity forged through adversity.

Amen Thompson’s evolution from promising draft pick to two-way cornerstone has been the story within Houston’s resurgence. His relentless motor, defensive versatility, and willingness to do the dirty work have transformed the Rockets into a team that can weather storms and seize opportunities—even when the odds aren’t in their favor. If Thompson continues this upward trajectory, Houston’s ceiling in 2025 looks higher than anyone expected.