In the blink of an eye—just five minutes into Saturday night’s showdown against the Boston Celtics—Amen Thompson unleashed a game-changing moment. The Houston Rockets’ rising star drained his first three-pointer of the season, snapping a brutal 0-for-10 drought that had lingered like a dark cloud over his early games. The Celtics, ever the tactical predators, sagged off him in the corner, daring the ice-cold shooter to fire away while they collapsed the paint to thwart a potential drive. But Thompson rose to the occasion, burying the triple with authority.
Boston’s defense this season is a whirlwind of chaos—players scrambling like bees in a hive, disrupting rhythms and forcing discomfort. That’s exactly what they aimed for here: leaving Thompson wide open, betting on his glaring weakness from beyond the arc to keep the Rockets in check. Instead, they ignited a spark. By gambling on his slump, the Celtics might have accidentally handed Thompson the key to unlocking his potential—and in doing so, they’ve sent shockwaves through the NBA, putting every team on high alert about what this freakish talent could become.
For Houston, this could be monumental. Thompson’s imprint on the court is already electric: a lockdown defender who terrorizes opponents, an athletic marvel who defies gravity, and a playmaking wizard with the ball in his grasp. Yet, his three-point shooting has been the Achilles’ heel, a persistent flaw that’s held him back from elite status.
Flash back to his rookie year: a dismal 8-of-58 (13.8%) from deep. His sophomore campaign showed flickers of progress at 25-of-91 (27.5%), but it was far from consistent. Entering the 2025-26 season, the first four games painted a grim picture—another string of bricks that suggested more of the same. But against the Celtics, in that pivotal first quarter, everything shifted. One swish, and the lid was off the basket.
Joe Mazzulla’s crew isn’t reckless; they’re calculated. With their frenetic style, they know they’ll concede some open looks, but they pick their poisons wisely. Thompson? He was the guy they were willing to leave unattended, a strategic nod to his historical struggles. Yet, that space became his launchpad. As the ball splashed through the net, it wasn’t just a bucket—it was a statement. Thompson proved he’s still wired to hit from range, refusing to abandon the shot even in his darkest stretches.
In a twist of irony, Boston’s bold defensive ploy didn’t exploit Thompson’s weakness; it exposed his resilience. By helping him break free from the slump, they’ve broadcast a warning to the league: Underestimate Amen Thompson at your peril. If this is the start of a hot streak, the Rockets could soar—and the rest of the NBA better buckle up.