Amen (left) and Ausar Thompson continue to shine on the playoff stage.
Over the last two nights, we’ve watched the Pistons and Rockets earn wins to stave off elimination and extend their respective series to a Game 6.
Despite their many differences, one common denominator between the two teams and their victories has been a Thompson.
Ausar and Amen, the Thompson twins, were both crucial in keeping their squads alive in the postseason, operating as difference makers on both ends of the floor, and as X-factors in their team’s success.
Their defensive prowess has put each in a significant position, tasked with guarding their opponents’ best player.
Amen of the Rockets has been in charge of making things difficult for Stephen Curry, while Ausar of the Pistons has had the assignment of staying with Jalen Brunson.
Those are tall orders, and it’s not feasible to fully stop either, especially throughout the course of a playoff series. However, when they were needed most, each of them was able to clamp down and make things difficult for their adversary.
On Tuesday night, Brunson was held to just 4-for-16 shooting and 16 points, while committing four turnovers. He had yet to score less than 30 in any of the previous four games. The second-year pro, Ausar, was able to avoid foul trouble this time, though, and played a series-high 29 minutes.
Wednesday night, Amen aided in holding Curry to 4-for-12 shooting, and just 13 points in 23 minutes, as Houston opened up a significant lead in the game, sending Golden State’s starters to the bench for good early. He also had five steals, all in the first half.
They didn’t just shine defensively, though. They were key contributors on the offensive end. Ausar finished the Pistons’ Game 5 win with 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting and earned 12 opportunities at the charity stripe. The 22-point performance tied a career-high from his rookie season and was the most points he scored in a game this year. He stayed active in cutting to the rim and finding holes in the defense as Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham earned the defense’s attention in the paint.
As for Amen, he provided 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting, tying his second-highest output of the season. His two-way success earned him a team-high +32 rating in the Rockets’ 131-116 win over the Warriors in Game 5. In all, he became the youngest player in NBA playoff history to record a 25+ point, 5+ steal, and 3+ block game.
Repeating these performances will not be an easy task, but their success should build confidence that they can. If they’re able to, the Pistons and Rockets will be difficult teams to beat. Although history suggests it’s highly unlikely for a team to come back from down 3-1, history hasn’t quite seen players like the Thompson twins.
You can catch Ausar and the Pistons attempt to force a Game 7 against the Knicks tonight at 7:30 ET on TNT. Meanwhile, Amen and the Rockets will take the floor against the Warriors in Game 6 on Friday at 9 ET on ESPN.
