So much for running it back, huh? The two teams that competed in the 2026 NBA Finals are now both 0-2 to start the new campaign. Obviously, they have plenty of time to find their best form and reestablish themselves as powerhouses. Nevertheless, it is always tough to let one slip away at the end. The San Antonio Spurs had what they could hope for: a look at the basket for 7-foot-4 superstar Victor Wembanyama with a chance to tie the score in the final seconds of regulation. But Houston Rockets building block Amen Thompson changes optimal scenarios without warning.
The 2025 All-Defensive First-Team selection blocked Wembanyama’s attempt and clinched a 2-0 record for the Rockets. Houston sealed the 114-110 victory on the free-throw line. Fans emphasize the need for Thompson to exhibit continued growth on offense, and rightly so, but nobody should ever lose sight of the value he adds on the other end of the court.
THAT IS INSANITY, AMEN THOMPSON
HE BLOCKS WEMBY AT THE RIM FOR THE GAME
pic.twitter.com/Tsi70H6exr
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) October 24, 2026
Despite being a -12 for the contest, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft made a definite impact inside the Moody Center. He scored 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Thompson was active all over the floor, and he had no qualms about taking on Wembanyama.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka instills an undeniable toughness in his team, but he also needs his guys to play with fearlessness when the moment calls for it. Amen Thompson fiercely and wisely battled the projected next face of the NBA with the game on the line. And he prevailed.
Victor Wembanyama still totaled a 20-point double-double and recorded two blocks in this Lone Star State showdown, but Houston’s top defender denied him when it mattered most
Alperen Sengun scored a game-high 29 points, and Kevin Durant added 20 of his own. They combined for 14 rebounds and 13 assists, which means every member of Houston’s big three left their stamp in Austin. Thompson might just be the Rockets’ X-factor, though.
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