The Houston Rockets earned a required win on Wednesday night, taking down the Golden State Warriors 131-116 and keeping their season alive for at least a few more days.
In many ways, the game belonged to Amen Thompson, who scored 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, five steals, and three blocks.
After the game, Jalen Green spoke with ESPN and praised Thompson and all that he brought to the game.
What helped the most?
According to Green, it was Thompson’s steals that sealed the deal for Houston.
“All them steals,” Rockets guard Jalen Green said when asked what stood out about Thompson’s performance. “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.”
Thompson’s defense was sensational from the very beginning of the game.
He was required to guard Steph Curry, which is no small feat.
Even though that was a difficult task, Thompson was ready to try, and he didn’t falter through all four quarters.
He was playing like someone whose entire season was on the line, because it was.
Led by Thompson’s fierce defense, the Rockets built a strong and robust lead over the Warriors and caused multiple turnovers.
He became just the fifth player to put up 25 points, five steals, and three blocks in a playoff game since 1974, according to ESPN.
Locking down an offensive threat like the Warriors is never simple or straightforward, but Thompson figured out how to make it happen on Wednesday.
So, can he do it again for Game 6 on Friday?
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