NBA title contenders and a rematch of Wednesday's thriller in Houston, the Rockets defeated the Cavaliers for the second time in four days with Saturday's 135-131 victory (box score) at Cleveland.

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

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.

Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell combined for 72 points in the defeat, losing three in a row for the first time this season.

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