Rockets wing Amen Thompson, who turned his left ankle during the fourth quarter of the team’s blowout win over New Orleans on Saturday, will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury, a source tells Kelly Iko of The Athletic (Twitter link).
The injury occurred as Thompson drove into the lane and attempted a pull-up jumper. His left foot came down on Pelicans center Karlo Matkovic‘s foot when he landed, causing his ankle to roll (Twitter video link via ClutchFans).
According to Iko, Thompson was seen wearing a walking boot and using crutches as he left the arena, though head coach Ime Udoka told reporters, including Sam Warren of The Houston Chronicle, that he didn’t have any news on the injury after the game.
“Saw the replay, looked like he rolled (his ankle),” Udoka said. “Kind of went up under (Matkovic) on a jump shot and landed on his foot. But no update.”
The fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Thompson has been enjoying a breakout year for the Rockets. In 60 games (33 starts), the 22-year-old has averaged 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game, with a .553 FG% and strong, versatile defense. He opened the season with the second unit, but has started every game he has played since January 5.
If Thompson’s injury causes him to miss time, it will hurt a little more because the Rockets were up by 33 points when it happened and were in the process of subbing out their regulars. Thompson, who was just one rebound away from recording a triple-double, was the only starter still on the floor after Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason came out with 6:00 left to play.
Thompson’s injury occurred on Houston’s next offensive possession. He was subbed out at the 5:31 mark and immediately limped to the locker room under his own power (Twitter video link via ClutchFans).
This could be problematic for Houston…
Whole state of Texas getting hit hard by injuries.
Left him in the game to pad his personal stats and get a meaningless triple double and he gets hurt. Really unfortunate.
This is why Kerr does what he does. There have been so many nights over the last decade that Draymond was one rebound from a triple double or Steph could go for 70 and if its a blowout they all sit and dont care. They went all out to win 73 and lost the finals and ever since they never ever stat hunt when they can sit a player and not risk injury.
the score was 109-83 starting the 4th Q. So why would Sengun, Thompson, Adams, Eason play Q4? Color me curious.
Never understood coaches playing their best players up by a huge amount in the 4th quarter. Stats are not important but winning with no injuries.
That’s crazy man…. Reed just went down. VanVleet not back yet. They might have to go get a PG. id be looking at Williams in Dallas. I believe he’s on a ten day. Get well Amen….