Amen Thompson arguably had his best game of the series during the Houston Rockets’ 131-116 Game 5 win over the Golden State Warriors.
The 22-year-old guard posted 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, five steals, and three blocks on 8-for-12 shooting from the field in 35 minutes. According to ClutchPoints, Thompson is the third player in NBA playoff history to have such a stat line alongside former Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon (1986) and Rick Barry (1976).
And according to ESPN, Thompson also became the first player since Charles Barkley (1993) to have at least 25 points, five steals, and three blocks in a postseason match.
Thompson also put on a defensive clinic against the Golden State Warriors by holding Stephen Curry to only 13 points on 4-for-12 shooting from the field in 23 minutes.
Houston Rockets News: Amen Thompson’s all-around performance draws massive praise
The Houston Rockets blew out the Golden State Warriors through physicality and defense. They raced to a 76-49 halftime lead and never looked back, and the team credited Amen Thompson for setting the tone.
“All them steals,” Jalen Green said about Thompson via ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. “I’m running down the court facing the other way, and the whole thing goes the other way. I’m like, ‘Dang.’ All the steals were impressive for sure, just him locking in defensively, being aggressive offensively.”
“It’s hard to pick up full court a guy like Curry,” Ime Udoka added. “Obviously, they’re setting high screens for him. So, playing without fouling is a big thing. (Amen) got his hands on a few balls, got those steals and ignited us there. That’s kind of what he does regardless of the opponent. Offensively, finding his rhythm, getting downhill and attacking (was big). (He played) a very well-rounded game.”
