Thompson twins react to first NBA meeting as Rockets…

Thompson twins react to first NBA meeting as Rockets rout Pistons

HOUSTON — Over the course of a long, 82-game regular season, some matchups have more significance to NBA players than others.

For Houston’s Amen Thompson and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, Monday’s game at Toyota Center between the Rockets and Pistons was clearly one of those. It was the first time for the highly touted rookies — each drafted in the top five of the 2023 first round — to play against one another at a professional level.

The teams themselves leaned into the theme, as well, with many fans receiving a special “Twins Night” bobblehead of both players. The same dual bobblehead will be given to fans in Detroit on Jan. 12, which is when the Rockets will pay the Pistons a return visit.

The Thompson twins were initially scheduled to face one another in the NBA’s 2023 summer league, but Amen’s ankle sprain prevented any head-to-head matchup at that time. Thus, Monday’s regular-season game on New Year’s Day was their first meeting.

Here’s our look at Monday’s Thompson-related activities, including statistics, interviews, observations, and reaction from both twins. Houston’s Thompson played a supporting role in his team’s blowout victory and recorded career-high totals in multiple categories.

Twins bobblehead reaction

Amen's reaction to his first ever bobblehead 😂

Pull up to Twins Night to get one too!

🎟️ https://t.co/VBY18fapLu pic.twitter.com/5ooCSOENsS

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 30, 2023

Expectations and outlook

Lots of fun chatting with both Amen and Ausar Thompson. I’ll share more on our broadcast night on @SpaceCityHN!

pic.twitter.com/eSxOaw8MZ7

— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) January 1, 2024

Statistics

Houston’s Amen Thompson: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 rebounds, 2 steals in 28 minutes; 5-of-6 shooting (83.3%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
Detroit’s Ausar Thompson: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks in 24 minutes; 2-of-4 shooting (50.0%)

Highlights

Amen Thompson had career-highs in points (12), assists (6), and minutes (28) tonight. #Rockets win with ease. Encouraging.

Shot 5-of-6 from the field and made his lone 3-pointer. pic.twitter.com/5iixyOjZeT

— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) January 2, 2024

we see you twin 🤞 pic.twitter.com/0Fb6eTZXeh

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 2, 2024

Facing each other

Amen and Ausar Thompson are currently facing off for the first time 🙌

(via @DetroitPistons) pic.twitter.com/OuRUwPik0a

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 2, 2024

Postgame reaction

#Rockets beat the Pistons 136-113

After the @HoustonRockets WIN – Amen Thompson (12 PTS / 6 AST / 4 REB / 2 STL) talked about going against his twin brother Ausar pic.twitter.com/7PK4EFcj0k

— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) January 2, 2024