Amen Thompson's athleticism and play in his second year has been key for Rockets who have ascended to being one of NBA's top four teams.

Amen Thompson is putting up elite numbers as a starter for a Houston team at No. 2 in the West (30-14). It’s hard to see him leaving it any time soon.

Even Rockets center Steven Adams, whose offensive rebounding rate was recently called “unreal” by Nuggets coach Michael Malone, was impressed by his teammate who is four inches shorter and 10

Led by a 23-point triple-double from Amen Thompson on elite efficiency, the Rockets (30-14) beat Cleveland (36-9) for a second time in four nights.

There's a legitimate argument for Thompson to remain as the starter when Smith returns. The Rockets have found the same success with Thompson in the starting lineup, and he's been producing at a higher level. Based on his seamless fit in the first five, head coach Ime Udoka will have a tough decision to make soon.

Adam Wexler: #Rockets take down the Cavaliers again, 135-131. Amen Thompson w/ his 2nd career triple-double: 23p, 14r, 10a Jalen Green & Alperen Sengun each with 26p. Houston now 30-14, remain 2nd in the West. @SportsTalk790

Amen Thompson had his second career triple-double, Alperin Sengun and Jeff Green scored 26 points apiece and the Houston Rockets beat the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers 135-131 on Saturday night.

Amen Thompson came up with critical late rebounds and points as part of his triple-double performance, and the visiting Houston Rockets completed the regular-season sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 135-131 decision on Saturday.

The Rockets are exceeding expectations this season and Thompson is following that theme by having an ascendant sophomore campaign.

The Houston Rockets have one of the best rebounding guards in the league in Amen Thompson. Thompson, 21, is averaging eight rebounds per game for the Rockets this season, putting him in a group of just 27 players around the league who achieve that goal.