As the Houston Rockets continue their impressive start to the season, a pair of energetic young reserves are making headlines. Tari Eason and Amen Thompson combined for 36 points, 21 rebounds, and 6 “stocks” (steals plus blocks) in the Rockets’ 111-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
The win marked the Rockets’ fifth in their last six games, moving them to an 8-4 record on the season. It was another dominant showing by the dynamic duo off the bench, who are earning increased playing time with their impactful performances. “They were the separation factor,” said Rockets head coach Ime Udoka after the game.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 21 points, while Alperen Sengun added a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. However, it was the “terror twins,” as Rockets fans refer to them, who dominated the game.
Eason finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal, shooting an efficient 8-of-14 from the field. Thompson matched him with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, while shooting 6-of-9 and knocking down both of his 3-point attempts.
“They were the separation factor,” Udoka said. “Their energy, their effort, their toughness—those are the kinds of plays that win you games.” The Rockets trailed by 11 points early but had taken a five-point lead by halftime.
They then used a crucial 19-2 run at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth to push the advantage to 19 points. The Clippers, led by former Rockets star James Harden, made a late push to cut the deficit to four, but Sengun’s dunk and a crucial block sealed the victory for Houston.
Harden finished with 19 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds but struggled from the field, going just 3-of-8 on 3-pointers after a hot start. The Clippers’ defense has been a concern lately, and they could certainly use the return of Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to play this season as he continues to rehabilitate his right knee.
For the Rockets, the continued development of Eason and Thompson has been a major factor in their early-season success. Eason has now scored in double figures in five straight games, while Thompson has done so in three of the last four.
“Their energy, their effort, their toughness—those are the kinds of plays that win you games,” Udoka said. The Rockets’ advantage on the offensive glass was also crucial, as they grabbed 18 offensive rebounds compared to just 10 for the Clippers, leading to a 19-6 edge in second-chance points.
The two teams will meet again on Friday night in Houston, with the added intrigue of the game counting toward the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 standings. It’s a rematch that the Rockets will be confident of winning, especially if Eason and Thompson can continue to provide that “separation factor” off the bench.
As the Rockets continue to exceed expectations, their young stars are emerging as the driving force behind their success. Eason and Thompson have become must-watch players, and their continued growth could be the key to the Rockets making a deep playoff run this season.