The Houston Rockets delivered consecutive wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing not only their talent but also their resilience amid challenges. The first of these victories came at home on January 25, 2025, where the Rockets edged the Cavaliers 109-108, followed closely by another narrow win on January 29, where the Rockets triumphed again with a score of 135-131.
Amen Thompson, the Rockets' standout forward, emerged as the star of these matchups. He notched his second career triple-double during the second game, finishing with impressive numbers of 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Thompson's performance was instrumental as he stepped up significantly after starting forward Jabari Smith Jr. was sidelined with a broken hand. Smith, averaging 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds before his injury, was expected to leave the team struggling. Instead, the young Thompson filled the void expertly, showcasing what it means to be a pivotal player.
Thompson's contributions have been remarkable throughout this season. Since transitioning to the starting position, he has averaged 16.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks across 13 games. Under his leadership, the Rockets have garnered a stellar record of 10-3. Notably, this ‘Swiss Army knife’ style player not only scores but also effectively defends and facilitates plays, demonstrating his all-around abilities on both ends of the court.
During the climactic moments of their second matchup against the Cavaliers, Thompson's impact was undeniable. The Rockets found themselves tied with the Cavaliers when Darius Garland converted two free throws to even the score with 1:51 left on the clock. Responding to the pressure, Houston orchestrated a decisive 10-2 run, largely fueled by Thompson himself. This late push allowed the Rockets to seize control, establishing a 134-126 lead.
The Cavaliers, who entered the game with the best record in the Eastern Conference, had previously relied on their star players, including Donovan Mitchell, who had 33 points, and Garland, who netted 39 points overall. Despite their efforts, the Rockets’ defense and strategic plays assisted them significantly, and they capitalized on Cleveland's lapses. After making his first three shots, Mitchell faced adversity, missing 10 straight attempts before he could find the score sheet again, illustrating the demanding nature of the game.
Cleveland’s typically strong home performance faltered as the Rockets handed them back-to-back losses on their own turf at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, marking the first consecutive home losses for the Cavaliers this season. This was particularly notable as they had previously enjoyed remarkable success at home with 21 wins compared to only 3 losses.
Besides Thompson’s breakout, other players also stepped up effectively. Alperin Sengun and Jalen Green added support with 26 points each during the second game, proving the Rockets possess depth and capability on their roster even amid key injuries. Fred VanVleet also contributed positively, scoring 20 points and handing out 6 assists, showcasing the Rockets' multifaceted offensive strategy.
Head Coach Ime Udoka faces intriguing decisions as the season progresses, particularly with how to integrate Smith back onto the court once he returns. Thompson's recent form and chemistry with the starting five raise questions about whether the 21-year-old will retain his position alongside Dillon Brooks. The Rockets' depth, previously touted as one of their strengths, has come under scrutiny, and the performances of players like Thompson and Tari Eason will be central to their forward momentum.
Overall, as both teams regroup and prepare for their next contests, the battles witnessed between the Rockets and Cavaliers are set to be defining moments for both teams as they navigate through the competitive NBA season. The Rockets will face the Boston Celtics next, aiming to carry the momentum of their hard-fought victories forward, and the Cavaliers will look to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons to regain their footing.
This stretch of games not only highlights the Rockets' ability to adapt and excel but also showcases the emergence of Amen Thompson as a player to watch, undoubtedly shifting the narrative around the team as they strive for success.