Houston Rockets star Amen Thompson exited the game limping during the fourth quarter of a 146-117 blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Thompson was having one of his best games of the season and was chasing his fifth career triple-double when he landed on the foot of Pelicans center Karlo Matković, appearing to injure his ankle.
Insider Reveals Concerning Update on Amen Thompson’s Injury
Thompson went up for a jump shot over Matković late in the fourth quarter but came down awkwardly. He appeared to injure his left ankle and limped off the court. Head coach Ime Udoka had no further details in his postgame interview.
“No update, but I saw the replay, and he rolled it as he went up for a jump shot and landed on his foot. As of now, I don’t have any updates,” Udoka said.
Udoka faced scrutiny for keeping Thompson in the game despite the Rockets leading by more than 30 points. However, Thompson had 15 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds and was one rebound shy of a triple-double, which likely kept him on the floor.
The Rockets left Amen Thompson in the game in a blowout to get one more rebound for a triple-double and he just got injured. He's heading to the locker room with a limp. https://t.co/UBtrEpgWuU pic.twitter.com/D8GeKP8sQk
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans)
Maybe greed isn’t always good — the 22-year-old was seen leaving the arena in a walking boot and using crutches. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
“Rockets wing Amen Thompson will undergo an MRI tomorrow, league source tells @TheAthletic. Thompson — who exited Saturday’s blowout win over New Orleans after landing on Karlo Matković’s foot in the 4th quarter — was seen in a walking boot and crutches exiting the arena.”
Rockets wing Amen Thompson will undergo an MRI tomorrow, league source tells @TheAthletic.
Thompson — who exited Saturday’s blowout win over New Orleans after landing on Karlo Matkovic’s foot in the 4th quarter — was seen in a walking boot and crutches exiting the arena.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko)
Thompson’s Impact on Houston’s Playoff Push
Thompson is in the middle of a breakout season for the Rockets after they drafted him No. 4 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native is known for his elite athleticism and defensive ability, making his presence critical to Houston’s playoff aspirations.
Thompson is averaging 14 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in 59 games this season. Many analysts have him ranked among the top 10 candidates for Defensive Player of the Year, as he holds opponents to 40.8% shooting when guarding them.
The Rockets are firmly in playoff position, sitting at No. 5 in the Western Conference at 39-25. They are a half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. They will face the Orlando Magic on March 10.
