Amen Thompson just proved he's already a cheat code for the Rockets

In the Houston Rockets' Monday night win over the Phoenix Suns, Amen Thompson put on a masterful performance. With Kevin Durant out of the lineup for personal reasons, he proved why he's already a total cheat code for this Rockets team.

Against Phoenix, Thompson exploded for 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting, seven rebounds, eight assists and one block while Houston cruised to a 22-point win. He showed his abilities to take over when the team needs him to and exhibited the type of leadership qualities that prove he's the type of talent that can be a total game-changer. 

In essence, it's this ability to step up when needed that's the mark of a player who could be considered a "cheat code." Anyone can perform when expectations are low, or when you're the third scoring option on the floor. It takes a different type of player to put their best foot forward and perform in spite of challenging circumstances. 

For Thompson, his size, burst, and defensive versatility are all things that make him a difference maker on the hardwood. Against the Suns, Amen held strong perimeter creators in check while also being one of Houston's primary offensive drivers. Rockets fans know that Amen isn't just an explosive scorer, he's a multi-dimensional weapon that makes life more difficult for any opponent. 

Amen Thompson took over with Kevin Durant out

What makes this even more impressive is how seamlessly Thompson shifted into a bigger role without disrupting the flow of the offense. His decision-making has noticeably sharpened as his career progresses, and his ability to control tempo has become one of the Rockets’ most underrated strengths.

There's a level of composure in the way Amen initiates actions, probes the defense, and gets the ball in the hands of shooters that simply did not exist to this degree a season ago. Houston needed someone to absorb more responsibility on a night without Durant, and Thompson embraced that burden with the confidence of a much older guard.

Performances like this also highlight how significantly he raises the team’s floor. When Thompson is assertive, the Rockets have another player who can collapse a defense, finish through contact, and create advantages without relying on set plays. That kind of versatility is what turns games, and it's why Houston’s staff continues to trust him with extended minutes in high-leverage situations.

The Rockets continue looking like one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season, and Amen Thompson is a big reason why.