theathleticuk
AUSTIN — Victor Wembanyama might have been the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year last season, but on Friday night, Amen Thompson was the unanimous defensive player of the game.
Thompson's spectacular rejection at the rim against the San Antonio Spurs' star sealed the Houston Rockets' 114-110 win. It was only the second game of the season, yet the intensity and emotion matched a playoff atmosphere.
Rising up for a game-ending block is an incredible feat for a 6-foot-7 guard like Thompson. But swatting away a layup attempt by a generational talent like Wembanyama made it one of the greatest plays anyone will make in the 2026-27 season—and one that will likely lead any Thompson highlight reel for the rest of his career.
"Man, what an incredible block," Rockets star Kevin Durant said. "To trust Amen to guard a 7-5 guy whose game is turning around and dunking on people like that. It was just insane."
For Wembanyama, the reasons for his defensive prowess are obvious: freakish height, incredibly long arms, above-average athleticism, and an amazing feel for timing blocks at the rim. With Thompson, it's not as simple.
The player Ime Udoka calls Houston's Swiss Army knife can impact the game in countless ways from anywhere on the court. That versatility separates him from many of his peers. After such a phenomenal play, Thompson's teammates had varied answers when asked what makes him such a special defender—much like his game.
Udoka pointed to Thompson's natural athleticism and instincts. One reason Houston drafted Thompson with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft was his off-the-charts athletic measurements. Someone with a 6-foot-7, 200-pound frame shouldn't move with the speed, agility, and explosiveness he brings nightly. That's why Houston felt confident switching him onto Wembanyama in the biggest moment of the game, when most coaches would have attached a 7-footer to San Antonio's star big man.
Houston doesn't just feel good about Thompson guarding Wembanyama; they feel good about Thompson guarding anyone. "He's a guy who's quick enough to stay in front of anybody. He's strong enough to fight with most guys. He's athletic enough to challenge anybody," Udoka said. "That combination of size, strength, speed is very unique. You can put him on anybody and feel comfortable."
Durant credited Thompson's quick jump. Thompson doesn't just jump higher than most; he gets off the floor so rapidly that he's already at the rim while most players are still on their way up. It's an asset Houston often utilizes on offense when Alperen Şengün tosses him alley-oops. On defense, Thompson contests shots with a ferocity that intimidates guards on the perimeter and centers under the basket. He can cause chaos on the perimeter and recover quickly enough to block shots at the rim like a center. His explosiveness lets him move around the court like a prime Ed Reed, with the leaping ability to swat layup attempts by the NBA's tallest players.
"I think being able to, as soon as your feet hit the ground, bounce back up so quick—I think that's rare in anybody, in any human, to be honest," Durant said. "To have that type of pogo ability—he does that a lot. He's 6-7. He dunks the ball. He blocks shots like a center. It's insane."
While many point to Thompson's athletic gifts, Şengün made sure to credit his intelligence. Thompson's speed and agility allow him to get anywhere on the court, and his rare feel and knowledge of the game help him be in the right place at the right time more often than not. A deep understanding of the sport and individual opponents allows him to guard a wide variety of players night after night.
In Friday's game alone, Thompson defended each member of San Antonio's star guard trio—De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle. He chased San Antonio's top shooter, Devin Vassell, around at times. When the time came, he took on the challenge of guarding Wembanyama one-on-one and got the best of him on the game's most important possession.
Thompson is still relatively early in his career and has plenty to learn. Being around wily vets like Fred VanVleet and Marcus Smart will only grow his knowledge. But his smarts allow him to impact the game as much as his god-given talents. "Amen is smart too. Whatever advantage you've got, you've got to be smart defensively also," Şengün said.
Before the season, Thompson lamented being left off the two All-Defensive teams last season and blamed himself for not taking that side of the court seriously enough. It was hard to blame him. He had to carry so much as the full-time point guard with VanVleet sidelined by an ACL injury and an even younger point guard, Reed Sheppard, serving as his backup. But now, with VanVleet back and Smart strengthening the second unit, Thompson can return to terrorizing opponents on defense and making plays—just like he did at the end of Friday's win.
What makes this year's Houston squad so special is the depth at nearly every position, which lets everyone focus on what they do best. Last year, it felt like everyone on the roster was being asked to do a little too much. But a lot of teams have great depth. Only one has a player like Thompson, who's special enough to impact the game in so many areas, even if his shots aren't falling. And this version of the Rockets is allowing Thompson to contribute all over the court and devote more energy to being a defensive wrecking ball.
Despite his slow start to the season, Wembanyama rightfully remains the overwhelming favorite to repeat as Defensive Player of the Year. But that block against that guy was a reminder to the basketball world that Thompson is also one of the most special defensive players walking the planet. He also finished Friday's win with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
"Just showing what I can do defensively. I can guard one through five. I think I'm one of the best defenders in the league," Thompson said. "Knowing that, making All-Defense is a goal for me every year."
After his massive block on Wembanyama's final shot, Durant was the first person to run up to Thompson, and after the game, Durant said that his first words to Thompson were, "What the f— wrong with him? Thinking he's gonna lay it up so easy."
Thompson even joked himself that, "I jump pretty high. I wouldn't try to keep dunking on me. But if they want to, they can."
If anyone still doubts Thompson and what he can do, they'll be left just as confused as Wembanyama was after his attempted game-winner.
Key Analysis
Thompson's block not only sealed a crucial early-season win but also served notice that he belongs in the conversation among the league's elite defenders. His unique blend of size, speed, and intelligence allows him to guard all five positions effectively, making him an invaluable asset for the Rockets. With improved depth around him, Thompson can focus more on defense, where his impact is felt on every possession. As the season progresses, his performance will be closely watched, and if this game is any indication, he is poised for a breakout year.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.