Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson suffered a left ankle injury during the fourth quarter of the team’s decisive victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The injury occurred when Thompson attempted a pull-up jumper and landed on Pelicans center Karlo Matković’s foot, causing his ankle to roll. The young star immediately fell to the floor in pain and was unable to continue playing.
At the time of the injury, the Rockets were leading by 33 points, and Thompson was on the verge of achieving a triple-double, having recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. He was the only starter remaining on the court, as other regulars had already been substituted out.
Following the injury, Thompson was seen wearing a walking boot and using crutches as he exited the arena. Rockets officials later confirmed that he would undergo an MRI on Sunday to assess the severity of the injury. The team remains cautiously optimistic but will await the results before making any decisions about his availability for upcoming games.
Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a breakout player for the Rockets this season. His impact on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in Houston’s success. In 60 games (33 starts), he has averaged 14.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting 55.3% from the field. His versatility, athleticism, and defensive presence have made him a key contributor for the team.
Losing Thompson for an extended period could be a significant blow for the Rockets, who are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot. While Houston has depth at the guard position, Thompson’s ability to defend multiple positions, rebound effectively, and facilitate the offense would be difficult to replace.
Many around the league have taken note of Thompson’s rapid development, and his teammates and coaches have repeatedly praised his work ethic and commitment to improving. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka stated after the game, “Amen has been incredible for us this season. We’re hoping for the best and will support him through his recovery.”
The Rockets organization and fans will now await the MRI results, hoping that the injury is not severe and that Thompson can return to the court soon to continue his impressive season.