The Houston Rockets announced before their home game against the Memphis Grizzlies that their forward Tari Eason would continue to miss the game. Although Eason has now resumed training, and coach Udoka has increased the intensity of his training on non-game days, it must be said that Eason is still plagued by injuries. He may not be able to play for the Rockets for a while. Although Eason's current injury is not serious, last season's serious injury left him with psychological scars, and he still occasionally feels pain in his left leg.
Udoka said he doesn't know when Eason will be able to officially return to the team and play, so Eason has now missed 12 games, and no one knows if he will be able to play in the next game. The Rockets' small forward Jabari Smith has also been out for a week, and may have to miss another month or so before he can play again. The Rockets' schedule in January was already quite tough, with a dense schedule and facing many playoff-level strong teams. However, surprisingly, the Rockets did not fall into a losing streak as a result.
Under Udoka's leadership, this team not only had a very good record in January, but after defeating the Grizzlies, they also welcomed a four-game winning streak, maintaining their position at second in the West, with their lead over the third-placed Grizzlies expanding to two wins. This was unexpected by everyone, as many people thought that with the Rockets' weakened lineup and facing so many strong teams, they were likely to drop from second in the West to outside fourth place. But unexpectedly, the Rockets made a concerted effort and, relying on their strong depth, managed to stay in a winning mode.
Among them, the transformation of the Rockets' point guard Amen Thompson was the key to the Rockets' victory. Previously serving as the Rockets' second point guard most of the time, Amen Thompson was transformed into a power forward and started four games after the absence of Small Smith, scoring double-digit data in three games. In the game against the Grizzlies, Amen Thompson even put on an MVP-level performance. The Rockets narrowly won by two points. In 41 minutes, Amen Thompson shot 7-for-15, 1-for-3 from beyond the arc, and 4-for-7 from the free throw line.
Amen scored the second-highest 19 points for the Rockets, along with 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and an impressive 5 blocks. His 13 rebounds were the rebound king of the game for the Rockets, and the 5 blocks were more like those of a top center than a guard. If you didn't look at the name, many people might think this set of data was from a top center.
However, as the Rockets' point guard, it was quite difficult for Amen Thompson to score 13 rebounds and an astonishing 5 blocks in a single game. In fact, Amen Thompson is only 2.01 meters tall, which is enough to play small forward, but playing power forward and center is obviously a bit short.
However, under Udoka's request, Amen Thompson successfully transformed. In recent games, he not only grabbed many rebounds but also occasionally sent blocks. The miracle of 5 blocks in a single game against the Grizzlies was the result of Amen Thompson's transformation. It can be said that Amen Thompson's transformation was extremely successful. Even if Eason and Small Smith continue to be absent for a long time, the Rockets can still win with Amen Thompson starting at the No. 4 position. Because Amen is the best player among the Rockets who can freely switch between inside and outside.