The Rockets went more than six minutes late in the fourth quarter while scoring only two points.<\/p>\n
In Friday\u2019s victory<\/a> over the Portland Trail Blazers<\/a>, it was a very different story. After trailing early in the fourth quarter, the Rockets went on a 15-0 run when it mattered most and put the game away.<\/p>\n One big difference was the play of third-year guard Amen Thompson. After scoring just one point combined in Thursday\u2019s fourth quarter and overtime (while missing both of his shot attempts), the 23-year-old had 8 points and 3 assists on 4-of-4 shooting in Friday\u2019s fourth quarter.<\/p>\n That included three consecutive baskets in under a minute early, which became the first six points of that 15-0 run.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n So, what changed? In his postgame press conference, Thompson explained<\/a>:<\/p>\n I felt like we were moving. When I would get it, I would push it. If it wasn\u2019t there, go straight into a DHO (dribble handoff) and roll. Two go on Reed (Sheppard), I\u2019ll get it. That didn\u2019t work? Go into another DHO to go score. Just the gravity Reed and Kevin (Durant) have, they make a lot of things easier out there, especially if teams want to sag off me.<\/p>\n As for his scoring, Thompson said he feels more confident in his floater and mid-range jump shots. He also noted that his improved defense in recent games \u2014 on display in that 15-0 run \u2014 is leading to better offense.<\/p>\n \u201cTeams know I\u2019m trying to get to the rim, so they back up,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cSo, I\u2019ve had to work at it. I feel like I\u2019ve been good at getting to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not trying to force the issue and get to the rim. I\u2019m just taking what the defense gives me.\u201d<\/p>\n Thompson then gave one more hat tip to Reed Sheppard, who is averaging just under 31 minutes per game over his last 12 outings. In Sheppard\u2019s previous 19 games, the second-year guard had averaged about 22 minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen he plays with confidence, he opens up something totally different for us,\u201d Thompson said. \u201cJust being able to get up that many 3s, it puts pressure on the defense, and they\u2019ve got to really be up on him. It gives all of us easier buckets, and easier reads.\u201d<\/p>\n Thompson finished Friday\u2019s win with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals while making 11-of-12 shots (91.7%). With the victory, Houston improved to 39-23 and remains at No. 4 in the Western Conference standings<\/a>, which would put the Rockets in line to have home-court advantage in at least one round of the 2026 playoffs.<\/p>\n Thompson and the Rockets are back in action Sunday in San Antonio. In a Texas showdown, tipoff versus the Spurs (45-17) is at 7:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised to a national audience on NBC and Peacock.<\/p>\n Back on Jan. 28 in Houston, the previous Rockets-Spurs matchup featured Spurs star Victor Wembanyama routinely sagging off Thompson in the second half to help against players such as Durant and Alperen Sengun. Ultimately, it clogged Houston\u2019s offense<\/a>.<\/p>\n But with Thompson\u2019s play on the rise in recent games, the hope internally is that Thompson (and perhaps Sheppard, as well) will have more answers in March.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/xUoZALKhp2U\/maxresdefault.jpg\")