NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

Amen Thompson Block Seals Rockets Win Over Spurs

Amen Thompson swatted Victor Wembanyama in the final seconds to give the Houston Rockets a 114-110 victory.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Late Block Preserves Houston Lead

Amen Thompson delivered the biggest play of the night to help the Houston Rockets secure a 114-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Moody Center in Austin. With five seconds left and Houston holding a 112-110 lead, Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox floated a pass over Jabari Smith Jr. to Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama spun toward the rim, but Thompson jumped up to block the shot attempt.

The swatted ball landed with Fred VanVleet, who iced the game with two free throws. Kevin Durant praised Thompson after the game, calling the block insane and noting how rare it is for a player to bounce back up so quickly off the ground. Rockets coach Ime Udoka credited Thompson for using his natural athleticism to stop Wembanyama one on one in the post.

Sengun Leads the Offense

Alperen Sengun led all players with 29 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Sengun scored 18 points in the second half, including 14 points in the fourth quarter. He explained after the game that he read the defense when the Spurs stopped double teaming him late. This was his 35th career game with at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, tying Steve Francis for the second most such games by a Rockets player before turning 25.

Thompson and Durant added 20 points each. Late in the third quarter, Thompson cut to the basket and threw down a two hand dunk over Wembanyama off an assist from Durant, converting the extra free throw. Thompson finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. The victory gives Houston its first 2-0 start to a season since the 2017 to 2018 season.

What it means for the next game

San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks (NBA, Sun, 25 Oct): Dallas Mavericks win 17%, San Antonio Spurs win 83%; projected score Dallas Mavericks 110, San Antonio Spurs 122. Our safest pick: Spurs to win.

Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks (NBA, Sun, 25 Oct): Atlanta Hawks win 49%, Houston Rockets win 51%; projected score Atlanta Hawks 115, Houston Rockets 115. Our safest pick: Rockets +9.5.