The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 at home, improving their record to 23 wins and 12 losses. This result has helped them maintain a slight lead over the third-placed Memphis Grizzlies, solidifying their position as second in the Western Conference. Over the past five games, which were considered a challenging stretch for the Rockets, they faced tough opponents such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and the Lakers. The Rockets managed to secure two victories and three defeats during this period, which can be seen as an average performance considering they were playing at home. There were several factors that contributed to the Rockets' 2-3 record.
Firstly, Ethan was unable to play due to injury, mirroring the career trajectory of Kawhi Leonard. Additionally, Amen Thompson was suspended for two games against the Heat, weakening the Rockets' strongest defensive duo. To make matters worse, Smith suffered a finger fracture during training and is expected to miss between four to eight weeks. Despite these setbacks, the Rockets' 2-3 record is commendable.
The Rockets' offense has been inconsistent, but their defense has been impressive. Their defensive strategy left the Lakers struggling to find scoring opportunities. The Rockets' rebounding prowess, ranked among the top two in the league, played a crucial role in their victory over the Lakers, with a significant advantage in offensive rebounds. Amen Thompson's return was a lifeline for the Rockets, as he is a pillar on both ends of the court. Defensively, Amen is the only Rocket capable of guarding LeBron James effectively. Standing at 2.03 meters tall with substantial weight, he managed to draw an offensive foul from James in the final moments of the game, demonstrating his seasoned defensive skills despite being only in his second year.
Offensively, Amen compensates for his shooting deficiencies with his ability to drive to the basket and finish strong. The Lakers were aware of his intentions but found it difficult to stop him. His combination of height and elite first-step quickness makes him a formidable opponent; taller players can't match his speed, while faster ones lack his size and strength. Amen is likened to the Rockets' LeBron James, with an added strength in rebounding. Playing a full 40 minutes as a starter reflects Udoka's trust in Amen, emphasizing the team's reliance on him.
Amen finished the game with an impressive stat line: 19 shots made, 11 points scored, a remarkable 16 rebounds (including 6 offensive rebounds), along with 3 assists and 1 steal. He confidently declared that he could go head-to-head with James. With Smith out, Amen had to step up at the power forward position and assist Shen Jing defensively. In summary, Udoka's post-game evaluation of Amen Thompson was succinct: when asked what Thompson's return brought to the Rockets, Udoka simply replied, "Everything."
During the off-season last year, Amen Thompson expressed his desire to learn from James and become the core of the Rockets. Realistically, Amen has already demonstrated the qualities of a franchise cornerstone. What defines a cornerstone player? A player whose absence significantly diminishes the team's capabilities and whose presence elevates them to new heights. Amen is such a player, and Udoka's assessment has elevated him to the status of a team leader. His impact on the Rockets extends beyond just one aspect; he is involved in everything. In fact, Amen's individual and team defense are now among the best in the league, surpassing even Dillon's defensive capabilities, making him a clear candidate for the All-Defensive First Team.
Amen's defensive versatility allows him to guard positions from point guard to center. In the three matchups against the Clippers this year, he was the only player who could consistently trouble Harden, enabling the Rockets to avoid double-teaming him. When paired with Ethan and Dillon, the Rockets' frontline boasts the league's top defensive intensity. While Jalen Green's explosive performance caught the Lakers off-guard, Amen remains the backbone of the Rockets. Even as a rookie last year, Amen made significant contributions to the Rockets, and his continued growth in his sophomore year solidifies his worth as a starting player. If the Rockets were to restructure their lineup, Amen would undoubtedly deserve a spot in the starting five.