The Amen Thompson show was real — and it happened under the bright lights of the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. On Monday, November 24, 2025, the Houston Rockets crushed the Phoenix Suns 114-92, turning what many expected to be a close contest into a statement win. At just 22 years old, Thompson didn’t just play well — he dominated the closing minutes, scoring 11 of his game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, adding 8 assists and 7 rebounds. This wasn’t a fluke. It was a coming-out party on national television.
A Night of Intentional Basketball
Thompson’s performance was a masterclass in composure under pressure. With the game tied early in the fourth, he drove baseline, pulled off a double-clutch finish that had analysts yelling, “Oh, Dominique Wilkins,” and then followed it with a crisp spin move that left two defenders grasping at air. He didn’t force shots. He read the defense. He waited. He attacked. “He’s playing with intention now,” said one NBA Showtime analyst during their November 25 broadcast. “I’m not sure if they’ll take three guys from Houston, but he deserves to be an All-Star. There’s no doubt about it.”The Rockets’ offense wasn’t just about Thompson. Aaron Holiday hit six three-pointers on 10 attempts, finishing with 22 points and two steals. But what made Houston’s attack lethal was the ball movement — 26 assists on 42 field goals. That’s elite-level basketball. NBC Sports analysts noted, “They moved the ball. They knocked down shots. They’re just as good as anybody in the NBA right now.”
Phoenix’s Absence and Struggles
The Suns, despite their reputation as a three-point shooting powerhouse, went 9-for-31 from beyond the arc — a shockingly poor clip for a team that usually thrives on spacing. Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 29 points, but he was isolated too often. Without Kevin Durant, who was sidelined due to a nagging hamstring issue, the Suns lacked a true go-to scorer in crunch time. “You had to think for Phoenix it was just a matter of time,” said an NBC analyst. “They shoot the three way too well.” But time never came. Houston’s physicality, relentless defensive rotations, and ability to close out on shooters turned Phoenix’s strength into a liability.One particularly physical moment came midway through the third quarter when a Suns defender fouled Thompson hard after he drove past two screens. The whistle blew — and the crowd booed. But Houston didn’t flinch. They kept moving. They kept passing. They kept scoring. That’s the difference between a good team and a contender.
The Rise of a New Star
Thompson’s growth since his rookie year has been startling. In 2024, he was seen as a high-upside prospect with inconsistent decision-making. Now? He’s a floor general who knows when to attack, when to pass, and when to let the game come to him. His 11 fourth-quarter points weren’t just clutch — they were surgical. He didn’t take a single contested three. Every shot was a high-percentage look, created by movement or misdirection.His highlight reel — a 1-minute, 59-second clip published by the NBA YouTube channel on November 25 at 12:00 AM UTC — went viral within hours. The double clutch? The spin? The way he paused just long enough to let the defender commit before exploding past him? That’s not rookie luck. That’s elite-level basketball IQ.
What This Means for the Western Conference
With the win, Houston improved to 11-4, tying them for the second-best record in the Western Conference. They’re now firmly in the conversation as a true title threat. The Suns, meanwhile, fell to 11-7 — still above .500, but clearly vulnerable without Durant. The Rockets have won six of their last seven games, and their bench — led by Holiday and rookie forward Jordan Walsh — has become one of the most reliable in the league.What’s more, Houston’s offensive efficiency has jumped to 121.3 points per 100 possessions — the third-highest in the NBA over the last 15 games. That’s not just good. That’s championship-caliber.
What’s Next?
The Rockets face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, November 26, in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinal. Denver’s defense will test Houston’s ball movement like never before. But if Thompson continues playing with this level of poise — and if the Rockets keep distributing the ball like they did against Phoenix — they won’t just make the playoffs. They’ll scare the top seeds.For now, the league is watching. And so are the fans. Amen Thompson didn’t just have a good night. He announced himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amen Thompson a legitimate All-Star candidate this season?
Absolutely. With 28 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds against a playoff-caliber Suns team — including 11 points in the fourth quarter — Thompson has proven he can carry a team late. NBA Showtime analysts have openly stated he deserves All-Star consideration. His efficiency (54% FG), playmaking, and growing leadership make him a strong candidate, especially as the Rockets climb into the Western Conference’s top tier.
How did the Rockets win without their star center?
Houston doesn’t rely on a single star center. Instead, they play small-ball with versatility: Jalen Green and Thompson at the backcourt, with versatile forwards like Jabari Smith Jr. and Christian Wood stretching the floor. Their 26 assists and 42% three-point shooting overwhelmed Phoenix’s defense, which was designed to guard traditional big men. The Rockets’ depth and pace neutralized any size disadvantage.
Why was Kevin Durant’s absence so critical for the Suns?
Durant’s absence removed Phoenix’s primary isolation scorer and clutch shooter. Without him, the Suns had no reliable option to create their own shot in the final minutes. Dillon Brooks scored 29, but he’s not a playmaker. The offense stagnated, and Houston’s defense exploited that. Durant’s injury isn’t just a loss — it’s a structural weakness that could haunt Phoenix in the playoffs.
What does this win say about the Rockets’ identity this season?
Houston has transformed from a young, erratic team into a disciplined, high-IQ offensive unit. They rank top-five in assists and three-point shooting. Their defense has tightened, and they’re now winning close games by executing late. This isn’t a flash in the pan — it’s the result of smart coaching, player development, and chemistry. They’re playing like a team that believes it belongs among the elite.
When will we see the full game highlights again?
The full game highlights were published by the NBA YouTube channel on November 25, 2025, at 12:00 AM UTC and remain available on their official channel. The 3-minute, 40-second video includes all key plays, including Thompson’s double clutch, Holiday’s three-point barrage, and the critical fourth-quarter sequence that sealed the win. The NBA also released a 3-minute, 28-second NBC Sports analysis segment dissecting Houston’s offensive flow.
How does this game compare to past Rockets victories?
This is Houston’s most complete win since the 2018 playoff run. They haven’t posted 26 assists and shot 42% from three in a road game against a top-8 team since James Harden was leading them. What’s different now? There’s no single superstar carrying the load. It’s a collective effort — and that’s what makes this victory more sustainable and dangerous for the rest of the league.