If the Houston Rockets’ 140-127 win over the Utah Jazz in the preseason is any indication, they look like Finals contenders.
In his debut for the Rockets, Kevin Durant scored an efficient 20 points, and Alperen Sengun posted an absurd 13 rebounds. The biggest story was actually on the other side of the contest, as Jazz rookie Ace Bailey led all scorers with 25 points.
The Rockets will be without Fred VanVleet for several months as he recovers from a torn ACL. In his absence, Houston will turn to Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to run point. Thompson finished with 19 points and six assists. Sheppard offered 11 and three of his own.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts as Amen Thompson #1 poses for a photo during the NBA Media Day at Toyota Center on September 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Amen Thompson Does ‘Everything’ For Houston Rockets
Thompson emerged as an elite defender last season. Since being drafted fourth overall in 2023, he has been one of the most athletic players in the entire NBA.
Entering his third season, the Rockets will need him to be a bit more polished, especially as a lead ball handler and facilitator. So far, he’s blown away his most accomplished teammate.
“He can do everything with the rock,” praised Durant after the win. “Confidence shooting from the 3, 2, these two preseason games. But making the correct plays, getting downhill. I’m just seeing everything from him. Rebounding, blocking shots.”
Thompson assisted Durant on only a single bucket, but he was able to rack up two steals and a block on the other end of the floor. He is quickly emerging as the third-best player on the team, and could rival Sengun for the title as he improves.
Houston Rockets Still Need to Improve
In a loaded Western Conference, the Rockets don’t have any room for error. Against the Jazz, Houston was able to experiment a little bit and have a runway, but they still turned the ball over 13 times.
Durant wasn’t thrilled about that, but it was his only complaint.
“We turned the ball over as a group today, but I think we’ll control that and get better at that as we get more comfortable with one another,” he predicted.
Durant made it clear that he wants to push the pace. Thompson is at his best in the open court, and if the Rockets can get him running, it will allow him to mask his biggest weakness.
He made his only 3-point attempt against the Jazz, but Thompson is a career 22.1% shooter from deep. He showed progress last season, but was still well below league average.
Thompson likely knows that his shaky outside shot is the only thing holding him back from making his first All-Star Game, and with Durant’s mentorship and on-court talents, he should be able to take a leap this season.
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