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

Takeaways: Amen Thompson, Scoot Henderson dazzle as summer Rockets edge Blazers

Amen Thompson Rockets Scoot Henderson Tari Eason Jabari Smith Jr Cam Whitmore Blazers Jabari Smith Ime Udoka Alperen Sengun

Friday’s summer-league matchup between the Rockets and Trail Blazers was billed as a showdown between two rookie point guards drafted in the top-five picks: Portland’s Scoot Henderson (No. 3 in the 2023 first round) and Houston’s Amen Thompson (No. 4 overall).

It did not disappoint. Jabari Smith Jr. and the summer Rockets beat the Blazers at the buzzer in Las Vegas, 100-99 (box score), and arguably the biggest winners were the fans watching.

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In a star-studded matchup, Thompson showed flashes of brilliance and stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals, shooting 6-of-13 from the field (46.2%) while making his only 3-point attempt in 28 minutes.

For Portland, Henderson had an impressive 15 points and 6 assists on 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%), though he left the game after 21 minutes with a right shoulder injury and did not return. Thompson also hobbled off in the game’s final minute with an apparent left ankle sprain.

Beyond Thompson, key statistics for the Rockets (1-0) included:

  • Cam Whitmore: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals; 5-of-18 shooting (27.8%), 2-of-7 on 3-pointers (28.6%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 33 points, 7 rebounds; 8-of-18 shooting (44.4%), 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%), 14-of-17 on free throws (82.4%)
  • Tari Eason: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 assists; 7-of-14 shooting (50.0%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)

Read on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and coaches, and reaction by fans and media members to Friday’s game. The Rockets return to action with Sunday’s matchup versus Detroit, with tipoff at 6:00 p.m. Central and television coverage on ESPN2. All five summer-league games are being played in Las Vegas.

Rockets-Blazers reaction

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