In a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Moody Center in Austin last week, Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson blocked a shot by Spurs center Victor Wembanyama at the rim. The block came as the shot could have tied the game, and Houston held on for a 112-110 win. Rockets forward Kevin Durant called it a game-saving block.
The Rockets signed Thompson to a five-year, $208 million contract. The team entered Friday's game in Dallas at 5-0, its best start since 2016-17, according to the story. Thompson is averaging 18.2 points, 8 rebounds and 3.8 assists, with 55.6% shooting.
Fred VanVleet, who missed last season after tearing his ACL in training camp, is back and averaging 12.3 points and 6.5 assists per game. Houston also signed free agent guard Marcus Smart from the Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson said the new backcourt makes his role easier. "Guys get going, the ball starts moving," he said. "I'm comfortable doing my job."