Amen Thompson displays on Rockets’ elimination

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Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson delivered a candid and emotional evaluation after the crew’s season ended with a 98-78 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Recreation 6 of their Western Convention first-round collection on Friday night time at Toyota Middle.

The Lakers closed the collection behind 28 factors from LeBron James, whereas Houston was held to a season-low 78 factors in a recreation outlined by taking pictures struggles and defensive strain.

“I really feel like I used to be locked in to the top. I actually needed to win,” Thompson stated. “I didn’t even have ideas of what occurs after.”

The Rockets tried to increase their season after rallying earlier within the collection, however Recreation 6 shortly uncovered offensive limitations towards a disciplined Lakers protection.

“Popping out of the sport, it hit for positive laborious,” Thompson stated.

Houston’s rotation was disrupted all through the collection, with accidents affecting key veterans and forcing youthful gamers into expanded roles. Thompson highlighted that shift as a defining theme of the season.

“Loads of guys stepped up within the management facet,” he stated. “Fred, Steven injured. Jeff’s an excellent vet however he’s not on the courtroom with us on a regular basis.”

“Kev acquired injured on the finish,” Thompson added. “You noticed Alpi taking steps, Reed, Jabari on the courtroom, Tari, me too.”

The Rockets struggled to constantly generate clear perimeter seems in Recreation 6, ending 5-of-28 from three-point vary because the Lakers repeatedly loaded the paint.

“They have been packing the paint. They have been all the time in shifts,” Thompson stated. “We have been passing up pictures, taking one other dribble, making an attempt to drive after one other drive, and never taking the pictures they gave us.”

Houston’s late-season progress included a brief playoff push after falling into an 0-3 deficit, however Thompson acknowledged the broader pattern of consecutive early exits.

“Now that it’s occurred, again to again first spherical exits, it’s tough,” he stated. “That’s motivation for positive.”

Regardless of the frustration, Thompson emphasised particular person development in his expanded function as a major ball handler throughout stretches of the season.

“It was very useful,” he stated. “Loads of ups and downs, numerous areas I can enhance on. Lots to work on this summer season.”

When requested about his offensive growth priorities, Thompson pointed to a number of areas of focus.

“I really feel like I might accomplish that a lot,” he stated. “Simply enhancing on what I have already got, attending to the rim, my mid-range, my threes, simply all facets of my recreation actually.”

He additionally praised teammate Reed Sheppard’s development into a bigger rotation function, notably as a secondary playmaker.

“I felt Reed was nice this 12 months,” Thompson stated. “Simply giving us house and being one other level guard on the ground, one other ball handler.”

As for roster adjustments or offseason course, Thompson declined to interact.

“I’m not going to reply that. Sorry,” he stated.

Houston finishes the season after consecutive first-round playoff exits, whereas Thompson’s feedback level towards a summer season centered on particular person growth and inside development.