Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson has shined since his return from suspension, and is making a case to become a permanent starter moving forward.

With Jabari Smith Jr. out with a hand injury, Amen Thompson has a golden opportunity in front of him to cement his place in the Houston Rockets starting lineup — perhaps even for good. Thompson, the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft,

Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun combined for 36 points in a runaway third quarter and the visiting Houston Rockets erased an early double-digit deficit to beat the Washington Wizards 135-112 on Tuesday.

The Washington Wizards started off hot against the Houston Rockets, pulling out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. They managed to keep pace with the Rockets in the second quarter until a late run gave Houston the lead for good.

In the first quarter, the Houston Rockets shot like the worst shooting team in the NBA (which they were entering the game), and the period ended with the Washington Wizards leading, 30-20. And then the Rockets shot like they were facing one of the league’s worst defenses and outscored 115-82 over the remaining three quarters and coasted to a comfortable 135-112 victory.