Watch: Amen Thompson Throws Punches At Jose Alvarado In Feisty Rockets Preseason Game

As they got up, teammates had to step in and try to separate them. Replays showed that Thompson swung at Jose Alvarado‘s head but missed during their scuffle. This is not the first time Thompson has stood up and fought with other players, as Tyler Herro and Jeremy Sochan know firsthand what it is like to go up against the Rockets’ star.

Amen Thompson and Jose Alvarado embrace after the game

Tyler Herro had a lot of things to say after his on-court battle with Amen Thompson. In the case of the New Orleans Pelicans’ Jose Alvarado, it was quite the opposite.

A couple of photographs shared by The Bradeaux & Will Show host Bradeaux on social media show the two NBA stars meeting each other with wide smiles after the game. The two embrace each other, showing each other respect. After all, their competitiveness is part of the reason both players are on their respective rosters.

Players have to be competitive, and not just have skills, IQ, and physical attributes to be successful. Thompson and Alvarado have both used their competitiveness to come this far. The two will face each other again on December 18th when the Houston Rockets will travel to New Orleans to start their 5-game Western Conference road trip.

Amen Thompson tasked with being Rockets’ playmaker

After Fred VanVleet was sidelined for the year, it became apparent that they would need someone else to run point. Russell Westbrook is a tantalizing option and is still available.

But the Rockets do not have the cap space to sign him and reunite with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant. That meant Amen Thompson was going to play a role similar to what LeBron James has done for much of his career.

Along with playmaking, the Rockets will rely on Thompson’s elite defensive capabilities, as well as his tenacity. The 6′ 7″ forward has proved in the past that he can take on playmaking duties.

He will have VanVleet at hand, mentoring him on what it takes to be a good point guard in the league. If the California native can get to grips early, the Rockets have a chance to rise to the top of the Western Conference.

That conference will be tight from the start, with a few of the bottom 6 teams competing with last year’s top 10 for a play-in or playoff place come April.