Editor’s Note: Read more NBA coverage from The Athletic here . The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its teams.

***

HOUSTON — With Amen Thompson, it can happen at any moment.

He’s always finding ways to put his imprint on a game with his astonishing athleticism or stifling defense. But it’s not always easy to anticipate when it’s coming.

Thompson’s not a guy who needs to have the ball in his hands to put fear in defenses. Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka rarely runs plays to make his point guard the center of attention. Yet, what Thompson brings to this Rockets squad, which improved to 14-5 after a 121-95 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, has become invaluable.

If Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün are the All-Stars who raise the

See Full Page