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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Thompson twins react to first NBA meeting as Rockets rout Pistons

Amen Thompson Rockets Ausar Thompson NBA Pistons Detroit (Organization) Houston Rockets

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

Expectations and outlook

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

Facing each other

Postgame reaction

Jersey swap

 

Postgame interaction with fans

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