The Houston Rockets are quietly becoming one of the more intriguing stories in the Western Conference this season. At 31-19 and sitting in fourth place, they’re right in the thick of the playoff race-wedged between the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the always-dangerous Los Angeles Lakers. But if the Rockets want to keep climbing, or even just hold their ground, it’s going to come down to the continued chemistry between two key pieces: Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson.
Yes, that Kevin Durant-still one of the most gifted scorers the game has ever seen-is now wearing Rockets red. And while the headlines naturally follow him, what’s been just as compelling is how his presence has helped unlock a new level in Thompson’s game.
Heading into a marquee matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thompson opened up about what it’s been like sharing the court with a future Hall of Famer.
“I’m used to what he does. I’ve been watching him my whole life and now I get to experience it,” Thompson said.
“He’s more like a big brother figure at this point. He makes it way simpler than you see in your head… it’s just making some plays to get to the paint, everybody is going to collapse, then kick it.”
That’s the KD effect in a nutshell-his gravity changes everything. Defenses bend, rotate, and overcommit the moment he gets the ball.
But what’s been equally valuable is Durant’s leadership. Thompson didn’t just talk about Durant’s scoring prowess-he emphasized how KD empowers his teammates.
“It’s definitely new trying to figure out, you see KD, he can score on anybody, you just want to get him the ball,” Thompson said. “But he’s very empowering on Alperen [Sengun], me, Jabari [Smith Jr.], Reed [Sheppard], doing our things, playing basketball and not all up in the ‘I’m KD’ thing. I feel like that’s one of the greatest things about him.”
That’s a telling quote. Durant’s still KD-he can get a bucket whenever he wants-but he’s not dominating the offense with ego. He’s facilitating growth, especially in young talents like Thompson, who’s blossoming into a cornerstone piece in his third NBA season.
And make no mistake: Thompson’s leap is a huge reason why Houston is where it is right now. He’s started all 50 games this season, logging over 37 minutes a night and putting up career-best numbers across the board: 17.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
He’s shooting an efficient 50.2% from the field, though the three-point stroke (20%) still needs work. But what he lacks in perimeter shooting, he makes up for with athleticism, defensive energy, and a growing command of the game.
Durant’s arrival-via a blockbuster multi-team deal this past offseason-was always going to shake things up. But what’s happening in Houston isn’t just about adding a superstar.
It’s about how that superstar is helping elevate a young, talented core. Thompson, Sengun, Smith Jr., and Sheppard are all playing meaningful roles, and Durant isn’t just coexisting-he’s helping them thrive.
Saturday’s game against the Thunder is a big one, no question. But the bigger picture is this: the Rockets are no longer just a rebuilding team with promise.
They’re a team with expectations. And with Durant leading the way and Thompson rising fast, Houston might just be ahead of schedule.