The Houston Rockets (31-19, 4th in the Western Conference) head into Saturday night’s massive matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder riding high — and a big reason for that is the seamless chemistry between Kevin Durant and the young core, particularly Amen Thompson.
In a pregame interview, the 23-year-old Thompson — the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft — opened up about what it’s been like sharing the floor with Durant in his first season in Houston:
“I’m used to what he does. I’ve been watching him my whole life and now I get to experience it. He’s more like a big brother figure at this point. He makes it way simpler than you see in your head… it’s just making some plays to get to the paint, everybody is going to collapse, then kick it.”
Thompson continued, highlighting Durant’s unselfish approach and leadership style:
“It’s definitely new trying to figure out, you see KD, he can score on anybody, you just want to get him the ball. But he’s very empowering on Alperen [Şengün], me, Jabari [Smith Jr.], Reed [Sheppard], doing our things, playing basketball and not all up in the ‘I’m KD’ thing. I feel like that’s one of the greatest things about him.”
Durant’s Impact & Thompson’s Breakout
Durant, in his first season with the Rockets after the offseason trade from Phoenix, has been exactly as advertised — and then some. He’s averaging 25.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.5 APG on elite efficiency, and just missed his first game of the season due to a minor ankle issue. At 37, he’s showing no signs of slowing down, quietly elevating everyone around him.
Meanwhile, Thompson is emerging as one of the league’s most improved players in his third season:
- 50 games, all starts
- 37+ MPG
- Career-high averages: 17.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.4 SPG
- Shooting splits: 50.2% FG, 20% 3PT, 78.3% FT
His ability to attack the paint, collapse defenses, and create for teammates has been crucial — especially with Fred VanVleet sidelined long-term (torn ACL). Thompson’s growth into a legitimate two-way force has helped Houston overcome injuries and remain firmly in the top tier of the West.
Why This Matters for Saturday’s Thunder Matchup
The Rockets have lost two straight and are looking to bounce back against a surging Oklahoma City team. Durant vs. his former team in OKC adds extra narrative juice, but for Houston, it’s about continuing to build chemistry and identity.
Thompson’s comments reflect a locker room that’s bought in — not just on Durant’s scoring, but on his leadership, humility, and willingness to empower the young core. That kind of culture, combined with Thompson’s breakout and Şengün’s dominance inside, has the Rockets looking like legitimate contenders in a loaded Western Conference.
Rockets fans — how big has Amen Thompson’s development been for this team? Does Durant’s “big brother” vibe make him the perfect veteran fit for Houston’s youth movement? And do you like their chances against OKC Saturday night? Drop your thoughts below — this one could be a statement game! 🚀