Amen Thompson Sets Career Assist Mark as Rockets Pull Away From Grizzlies

Amen Thompson delivered one of the most well-rounded performances of his young career Monday night, reaching a new personal milestone in the Houston Rockets’ home win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The third-year guard set a career high in assists, highlighting his evolution into a reliable playmaker.

Now halfway through his third NBA season, Thompson has begun to carve out a reputation as a two-way contributor for Houston. His scoring has ticked upward, but it is his growth as a facilitator that has increasingly defined his breakout campaign.

Against Memphis, Thompson logged heavy minutes and played a central role in orchestrating the offense. While his shooting night was uneven, his passing and defensive energy helped steady the Rockets during a tightly contested game.

The result was a 108–99 victory that pushed Houston further up the Western Conference standings. For Thompson, it was another marker of progress as he continues to expand his responsibilities within a young and rising roster.

1. A Career Night as a Playmaker

Thompson finished with eight points, 14 assists, eight rebounds, and one steal across 42 minutes, setting a new career high in assists. Though he shot just 3-of-10 from the field, his impact was felt in the way he consistently created opportunities for teammates. He moved the ball with purpose, initiating fast breaks and finding shooters in rhythm on the perimeter. Several of his assists came in traffic, showcasing improved vision and decision-making under pressure. Thompson also went 2-of-2 at the free-throw line and remained active defensively, contributing a steal and using his length to disrupt passing lanes. His near triple-double reflected his all-around influence on the game. The assist total underscored his development as a facilitator, an area of emphasis for Houston’s coaching staff. As his offensive role continues to grow, Thompson’s ability to balance scoring with playmaking has become a key part of the Rockets’ identity.

2. Houston’s Fourth-Quarter Surge

The game remained tight through three quarters, with Memphis holding a narrow 77–76 lead entering the final period. Both teams traded runs, and neither side was able to establish consistent separation. Houston flipped the script in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies 32–22 over the final 12 minutes. The Rockets tightened up defensively and pushed the pace offensively, turning a one-point deficit into a comfortable win. Shot selection proved decisive. Houston connected on 45 percent of its attempts from the field and knocked down 11 three-pointers, spacing the floor and forcing Memphis to scramble defensively. The Grizzlies struggled to match that efficiency. They shot just 37 percent overall and made seven three-pointers, leaving them unable to keep pace once Houston found its rhythm down the stretch.

3. Stars Shine as Standings Tighten

While Thompson handled much of the playmaking, Houston’s stars provided the scoring punch. Alperen Sengun led the way with a dominant performance, pouring in 33 points on an ultra-efficient 15-of-17 shooting to go with nine rebounds, six assists, and a steal. Kevin Durant matched Sengun’s scoring output with 33 points and added eight rebounds, delivering timely baskets during Houston’s decisive fourth-quarter run. Their combined shot-making anchored the Rockets when the game hung in the balance. Tari Eason chipped in 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed eight points and eight boards. Three players finished in double figures, but the balanced effort across the rotation helped seal the outcome. The victory improved Houston’s record to 28–16, placing the Rockets fourth in the Western Conference. They now sit a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and two games clear of the Phoenix Suns, while trailing the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs by two games.