You won't believe this crazy Amen Thompson stat

September 7, 2026 - 18:18

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson put together a season that quietly turned heads across the league. While his scoring average jumped to a career-best mark, the most surprising number came from his work above the rim. Thompson finished second in the entire NBA in total dunks during the 2025-26 regular season, a feat that few saw coming from a player often labeled as a raw athlete rather than a polished finisher.

That dunk total was not just about highlight reels. It signaled a real shift in how Thompson attacks the paint. He stopped settling for mid-range floaters and started using his explosive first step to get all the way to the basket. Defenses had to collapse on him more often, which opened up kick-out passes to shooters and easy looks for teammates. His points per game climbed as a direct result, but the assists and hockey assists also ticked up.

What makes the stat even more impressive is the company he kept. Only one player threw down more dunks than Thompson, and that player is a seven-footer whose entire game lives near the rim. Thompson, listed at six foot seven, does most of his damage in transition and off cuts. He does not run many post-ups or lob plays designed for him. He simply beats his man down the floor and finishes with force.

Coaches around the league have taken notice. Scouting reports now show Thompson as a primary rim threat, not just a defensive stopper. That change has forced opponents to game plan for him in ways they did not last year. For the Rockets, it means their young core has another reliable scoring option who can create his own shot without needing a set play.

Thompson's improvement did not come from a single adjustment. He spent the offseason working on his footwork around the basket and his ability to catch the ball on the move. The result is a player who no longer hesitates when he sees a lane. He attacks with confidence, and the numbers back it up. If he keeps this up, that second-place dunk finish might turn into a first-place trophy next year.