JJ Redick Highlights Former Teammate’s Trait Helping Rockets After Honest Confession About Lakers’ Major Weakness

Several contributors emerged tonight for the Houston Rockets in their resolute win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Jalen Green, an emerging guard added 33 points to continue his great record against the Purple and Gold. However, Amen Thompson, who returned from a suspension today was arguably the key to opening up the Lakers alongside Steven Adams. While the second-year guard came out of the syllabus, JJ Redick knew how Adams could exploit the Lakers.

Prior to the showdown against the Lakers, Adams barely featured in the rotations for Ime Udoka. Over the past 9 games, he hadn’t even played 15 minutes in a contest. But tonight, his presence was key. The Lakers, a team that struggles in rebounding couldn’t contain Adams. And he dismantled them with his physicality.

“Our inability to get defensive rebounds was the difference in the game,” Redick said about the reason for their loss. In that space, Steven Adams and Amen Thompson combined for 13 offensive boards, three more than the Lakers. Having played with the brute center, JJ Redick wasn’t surprised by Adams’ command on the glass.

“Adams is a guy I have played with and I know he is like a tree down there once he gets position. Then it’s hard. Certainly Jalen Green’s shot-making was huge for them. But Thompson just killed us all night whether that was in transition with his cutting or on the offensive glass,” he said about Adams who he played with while on the New Orleans Pelicans four seasons ago.

He ended up being the perfect weapon for Udoka. The Lakers rank 25th in total rebounds per game. Their 15.1 points allowed from second chances is the fourth-highest mark this season. Tonight, they allowed 28, a +20 advantage for the Rockets. Adams’ seven offensive rebounds played an integral part in capitalizing on that weakness.

But as much as an impact the former Thunder center had, the disrupter was 21-year-old Amen Thompson.

Amen Thompson made life hell for JJ Redick and the Lakers

Having been unable to contribute in the last two games, the second-guard player was itching for action. “I’m just happy I’m back,” he said. And his elated mindset posed trouble for the Lakers. Thompson had a breakout performance, going off for 23 points and 16 rebounds. In particular, his tenacity on the glass disrupted the Lakers completely

But what the 21-year-old brought to the table blew him away.

Aside from his career-high 16 rebounds, Amen Thompson also added 23 points to the mix. His aggression seemed too much for the Lakers to cope with. As for Ime Udoka, he is just glad the Overtime Elite talent is back for Houston. The revered head coach considers him “One of the best defenders in the league”.

Likewise, Udoka believes his relentless energy made life easier for everyone around him. “The pace he plays with, attacking downhill, touching the paint, getting easy stuff for everyone else. … Even when they’re trying to sag off you it’s tough when guys are attacking and eating up space,” he says about the 21-year-old.

With Jabari Smith Jr. out for at least two months, Amen Thompson is expected to have a much more significant role as the starting forward. Thompson has thrived in the seven games that he has started. Not only does his scoring output spike to 17.7 points, but he records a +10.3 differential for the second-seed Houston Rockets.

Under the style of play Ime Udoka has cultivated within the Rockets ecosystem, Thompson has become a pivotal presence. After such a display against the Lakers, it’s exciting to think what the young forward is capable of. Do you think Amen Thompson could become the permanent starter for the Rockets? Let us know your views in the comments below.