There was a rookie breakout in Houston tonight. Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson erupted for career-highs as Alperen Sengun carried the team to a 135-106 victory over the Raptors. This season has seen the Rockets at one of their best, largely thanks to the Turkish sensation, Sengun’s breakout. But that’s not all.

Building a young core has been a top priority for the franchise. The result was 2023 draft picks, Whitmore and Thompson. The duo, along with Sengun, are somewhat in the process of what could very well be a formidable trio. And it seems like the chemistry is indeed there.

Amen Thompson bestows a new title on Sengun

Talking to reporters post-game, the elder Thompson twin good-naturedly says, “He’s my twin. He’s Alperen Thompson.” This leads to a round of laughs. He confirms that the connection is there. Amen does not forget to include his fellow draft and teammate, Cam. “Me, Alpi, and Cams,” he says, setting the stage for what could be Houston’s next Big 3!

Amen’s trust in Sengun goes back to his draft period. Shortly after he was drafted, Thompson had sat down for a Q&A with Athletic’s Kelly Iko. When he was asked how it would be to play off a center like Sengun, Amen said, “He’s a great playmaker. I feel like the easiest way to make plays is out of the high post.” Add in Whitmore’s strength, verticality, and shooting, and Ime Udoka has got himself a trio of deadly Velociraptors.

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Even though Amen has wholeheartedly welcomed Sengun to the Thompson family, the 21-year-old already has a twin brother, Ausar Thompson. The twin duo’s popularity was almost on par with the “Wembymania” that was happening in the 2023 draft.

The “XLNC” twins

Amen and Ausar’s father Troy, also their agent, had named them XLNC (pronounced “excellence”), to give them a sense of power and greatness. It’s almost like Troy knew his boys were destined for exactly that. One of the most touted prospects, the Thompsons became the first twins to be drafted in the top five. On the same day. And back-to-back!

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But as luck would have it, the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons selected the “inseparable twins” as the fourth and fifth picks. Yet, they didn’t let that deter them from their ultimate goal – becoming the greatest NBA players ever. After all, it was their vision all along. More specifically, since the age of nine.

Both Houston and Detroit have two players who live and breathe basketball. Now it’s up to them to create NBA legends out of them. Udoka and the Rockets are already putting their plans into motion. The Pistons, though, are struggling this season.

Hopefully, they can do some damage control soon. Until then, Ausar can always count on his brother to be there for him.

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