"Backpedaling in transition, Thompson tried to establish position at the rim defending Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards, who outweighs him by nearly 50 pounds. As Richards launched for a dunk, his right elbow smashed flush against Thompson's chin, sending the guard skyward off both feet, while opening a gash that the Rockets guard told ESPN required "a different kind of tape" to seal."
"As Houston's medical staff worked on the bench bandaging Thompson, center Alperen Sengun dropped Suns guard Collin Gillespie near the left wing with a crushing ball screen, resulting in an offensive foul. Thompson missed just two minutes of play getting patched up on a chippy night in which Houston's young two-way key contributors combined for 46 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists and a pair of blocks."
"The duo connected just three minutes and 11 seconds into the game. A driving Reed Sheppard hit a cutting Thompson for what seemed like a guaranteed alley-oop dunk, but instead of using his elite athleticism to slam it home, Thompson skipped a bounce pass through the lane to Sengun waiting outside the 3-point line at the top of the key. Swish."
The crowd fell silent after the back of Amen Thompson's head hit the hardwood at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Thompson's chin took the worst of the contact when Suns center Nick Richards' right elbow struck him, opening a gash that required "a different kind of tape" to seal. Thompson received bench treatment, missed about two minutes, then returned. Coach Ime Udoka praised Thompson's toughness for avoiding dramatics and returning to play. Alperen Sengun and Thompson combined for 46 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists and two blocks. Early in the game Thompson and Sengun connected on a play that resulted in Sengun hitting a 3-pointer.
Read at ESPN.com
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