Basketball Player Amen Thompson Earns Respect from Stephen Curry Following Remarkable Series Performance
Rewritten Article:
The Houston Rockets' season came to an end in a bitter 103-89 Game 7 loss to the Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry shining in the second half and congratulating forward Amen Thompson for his impressive performance. This loss might be a tough pill to swallow for Rockets fans, but Thompson's stunning 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, nine rebounds, and three assists - leading the team in their first-round series finale - certainly provides a sliver of optimism.
Following the game, Curry approached Thompson, offering words of praise, as reported by 95.7 The Game's X, formerly Twitter.
Stephen Curry, who flirted with a triple-double (22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists), finished with two steals and two blocks in the win. However, Buddy Hield's 33 points on 12-of-15 attempts, including 9-of-11 from deep, stole the show. Jimmy Butler's 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists were also noteworthy performances.
In addition to Thompson’s impressive outing, Alperen Sengun added 21 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, Fred VanVleet contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals, and Thompson also had one steal and one block.
With Thompson's stellar performance, the spotlight has turned towards the Rockets' offseason. While the team may undergo significant changes, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins maintains that Amen should be off-limits in potential trades this summer.
"If off-season trade talks ever come up... Amen Thompson definitely better be untouchable," Perkins declared. "That young man is special."
Thompson’s Game 7 performance has some referring to him as the Rockets' franchise player, as they enter a crucial offseason.
The Superstar Dilemma: Plugging Houston's Trade Puzzle
With the 2025 offseason on the horizon for the Houston Rockets, acquiring a superstar while protecting their young talent, notably Amen Thompson, has become a priority. Thompson's defensive prowess and burgeoning offensive potential put him at the heart of the team, making him a near-non-negotiable asset in any potential trade[4].
Jalen Green, who struggled during the postseason, may also be on the trading block, with his $56.8M salary helping facilitate blockbuster deals. The Rockets' focus seems to be on landing big-name superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant[1][2][3][4]. Both players come with unique risks and rewards, but Houston's Suns-owned draft picks (2025, 2027, 2029) could prove crucial in negotiations[3][4].
Roster Flexibility and the Draft
With Green, Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, and other complementary players absorbing up to $56.8M in salary, the Rockets can avoid including Thompson or Alperen Şengün in any trades[2][4]. Should the Rockets land a high-profile player, they also hold the Suns’ 2025 lottery pick (No. 9 odds) to use as a trade chip or developmental asset[3].
Development and the Road Ahead
Internally, the Rockets are optimistic about Thompson, Sheppard, and Şengün evolving into elite contributors[4]. Acquiring a reliable primary scorer, either through trade or internal development, has become a top priority, as highlighted by their struggles to score in critical games[3][5].
The Rockets’ future hinges on striking the right balance between immediate upgrades and preserving Thompson’s exceptional defensive potential and Şengün’s All-Star trajectory[4][5]. Whether they opt for an aggressive trade or retain the core and focus on development, one thing is clear - Houston’s offseason will be one to watch.
- In the wake of the Houston Rockets' loss in the playoffs, Amen Thompson's impressive 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assports in the Game 7 have sparked discussions about him becoming the franchise player.
- Despite Stephen Curry's impressive Game 7 performance against the Rockets, his praise was reserved for Amen Thompson, as he congratulated the young forward for his stellar outing.
- As the Houston Rockets navigate their offseason, Kendrick Perkins maintains that Amen Thompson should be off-limits in any potential trades, calling Thompson "special."
- Acquiring a superstar while preserving their young talent, notably Amen Thompson, has become a priority for the Houston Rockets in the 2025 offseason.
