The Houston Rockets had an fascinating battle in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the opening recreation.
The Houston Rockets practically pulled off an upset over the defending champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
The sport went into double additional time, however Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made two game-winning free throws and the Thunder gained 125-124.
Regardless of the loss, the Rockets had loads of brilliant spots on this recreation, together with their younger, creating stars.
Armen Thompson began at level guard for the Rockets. He recorded 18 factors, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in 38 minutes.
Armen Thompson struggled on this recreation, going 0-for-7 on 3-point pictures from deep. His outdoors capturing stays a priority for him to excel at level guard.
Jeff Teague famous Thompson’s capturing struggles and in contrast him to the extra athletic Rajon Rondo, minus the basketball IQ.
“Thompson twins. He is Rajon Rondo. He is far more athletic, but when you are going to play level guard, he is Rajon Rondo level guard.”
“He does not have the IQ in any respect like Rondo, he does not know the sport in any respect like Rondo, Rondo can set you aside.
“However his capability, he can get to the basket, he could make performs, he’s good defensively.
“He is not likely a shooter. He must learn to play the dunker. Till he learns the way to shoot, that is the one means he’ll be efficient.”
Teague in contrast Thompson to Russell Westbrook due to Thompson’s explosiveness and the way in which he assaults the basket.
He additionally stated that even when the Rockets signed Westbrook as an alternative of the Sacramento Kings, it would not have been a nasty thought as a result of he may present Thompson the ropes.
“If you concentrate on it, he is Russell Westbrook. His explosiveness, the way in which he will get to the basket. However Russell was extra of a degree guard and knew what to do.
“And now that I give it some thought, it may not have been a nasty thought for them to choose up Russell and simply present him the ropes a bit of bit.”
However Teague identified that it is “not nice” to have Westbrook and Durant collectively.
General, level guard Thompson is a piece in progress, however the 22-year-old is displaying indicators of constant play.
