While he has not been in the NBA long, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson has already carved out a reputation for being one of the best defensive players in any backcourt in the league, and the rep is well-deserved. But even Thompson found covering star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown a tough row to hoe in the Rockets’ 128-101 blowout victory over the Celtics.
Held to a season low of 12 points, the Houston guard’s presence helped Brown turn the ball over five times — but it didn’t come easy. “It’s tough, it’s tough to balance out,” said teammate Kevin Durant postgame. “It’s a lot on your body, physically and mentally, to guard the best player and then try to set up the whole team, you know?”
“But (Thompson) is just a humble soul who is willing to do whatever for the team,” he added.
“And any time coach calls upon him to do anything, he’s ready to do it, and we’ve got to be supporting him as well,” offered Durant.
“So, when he gets the ball at the point guard, and he creates for us, we got to be able to knock those shots down and then help him on defense as well.”
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