Explosive and Agressive, Amen Thompson Shines as Rockets Beat Mavericks<\/h2>\n
Thompson\u2019s athleticism has never been in question. But on Monday, his maturity and composure stood out just as much as his explosiveness.<\/p>\n
Facing a Dallas team missing Anthony Davis<\/a> due to a strained calf, Thompson wasted no time asserting himself, scoring in transition and pushing defenders off balance with his first step. He finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and four assists, shooting efficiently inside the arc and setting the tone for Houston\u2019s up-tempo offense.<\/p>\n His biggest moments came late in the fourth quarter, where he calmly sank key free throws and helped seal the win with a crucial defensive stop. With just 27 seconds left, Thompson blocked Cooper Flagg<\/a>\u2019s three-point attempt before Tari Eason<\/a> punctuated the night with a fast-break dunk.<\/p>\n Head coach Ime Udoka praised the young guard afterward<\/a>: \u201cAmen\u2019s aggression was exactly what we needed. He\u2019s learning when to attack and when to create, and tonight he balanced that perfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n While Thompson\u2019s breakout stole the headlines, Alperen Sengun<\/a> and Kevin Durant<\/a> anchored the Rockets with their usual consistency. Sengun turned in a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double, including a clutch spinning layup in the final 90 seconds that pushed Houston ahead 105\u2013102. He also added six assists, showing once again why he\u2019s become the team\u2019s offensive fulcrum.<\/p>\n Durant contributed 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists, though he struggled from the field (6-of-18 shooting). Still, his leadership and presence<\/a> provided Houston with composure down the stretch. Durant\u2019s two late three-pointers shifted momentum in Houston\u2019s favor before Sengun and Thompson closed things out with physical drives inside.<\/p>\n After the game, Sengun reflected on the team\u2019s progress<\/a>: \u201cWe lost two close games early, but now we know where the ball needs to go. We\u2019re learning, and it\u2019s getting easier every game. KD\u2019s arrival changed a lot for us, but the chemistry is coming fast.\u201d<\/p>\n For the Mavericks, it was another tough night without Anthony Davis, as the team fell to 2\u20135. P.J. Washington<\/a> led all scorers with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Max Christie<\/a> added 17 and rookie Cooper Flagg<\/a> contributed 12.<\/p>\n Dallas kept the game close until the final minutes but couldn\u2019t match Houston\u2019s energy on both ends. Washington\u2019s late miss from deep and Thompson\u2019s subsequent free throws sealed the outcome, leaving the Mavericks searching for answers ahead of their next game against the Pelicans.<\/p>\n The Rockets\u2019 latest victory was proof that Houston\u2019s young core is maturing rapidly. With Durant providing veteran guidance, Sengun evolving into a true playmaking centerpiece, and Thompson emerging as a two-way force, Houston\u2019s offensive identity is becoming clear.<\/p>\n Their four-game winning streak now includes decisive victories over the Nets, Raptors, and Mavericks, all fueled by balance, unselfishness, and a willingness to attack. Even without<\/a> Fred VanVleet<\/a>, the Rockets have maintained rhythm and control, ranking among the NBA\u2019s top teams in offensive efficiency.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27497940_168402037_lowres-1024x677.jpg\")
Sengun and Durant Deliver Veteran Stability<\/h3>\n
Dallas Falters Without Davis<\/h3>\n
Houston\u2019s Winning Formula Is Taking Shape<\/h3>\n