The Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar Thompson, concluded their second NBA season by making their first playoff appearances. Amen Thompson plays for the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference, while Ausar Thompson competes for the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference. Both players took on increased roles as their teams reached the playoffs.
Ausar Thompson and the Pistons faced the New York Knicks in the First Round. Thompson was assigned to guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' leading scorer, throughout the series. While Brunson is a dynamic player, Thompson helped limit his effectiveness at points. In the Pistons' Game 5 victory that staved off elimination, Thompson scored 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting and added 7 rebounds, tying his career high in scoring.
Despite the Game 5 win, the Pistons were defeated by the Knicks in Game 6, ending Detroit's season. Ausar Thompson finished his first playoff run showcasing defensive ability and offensive flashes. He is regarded as the best defender on the Pistons roster.
Meanwhile, Amen Thompson and the Rockets faced the Golden State Warriors. Amen Thompson was tasked with guarding Stephen Curry for stretches. In Houston's Game 5 win that avoided elimination, Thompson scored 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting, contributed 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks in 35 minutes, earning a team-high +32 rating.Amen Thompson became the youngest player in NBA playoff history to record at least 25 points, 5 steals, and 3 blocks in a game. He is being considered for the 2024-2025 NBA All-Defensive First Team after leading the Rockets' defense and having the best defensive field goal percentage in the league.
During the 2024-2025 regular season, both players showed growth from their rookie campaigns. Amen Thompson averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Ausar Thompson averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. They ranked sixth and 20th in the league in steals per game respectively. From Dec. 23 to the end of the regular season, they were the only two players with 100 offensive rebounds and 125 combined steals and blocks.
The brothers possess physical gifts and exhibit a calm approach on the court. Amen Thompson noted a pattern during their first-round series when asked about watching his twin."Every game they've won, we've won after," Thompson stated. "That's what I'm gonna take from it."
Amen Thompson and the Houston Rockets will play the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 tonight.
