Given how much twins Amen and Ausar Thompson are lumped together, even when being praised by NBA stars for their athleticism, head-to-head matchups provide an opportunity for separation. The Detroit Pistons’ 107-96 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday was Ausar’s first NBA win against Amen.

HOUSTON — Before Monday’s matchup began, Cade Cunningham stressed the importance of this game for the Detroit Pistons. He called for a rare, emergency, last-minute team meeting at the free-throw line near Detroit’s bench roughly 10 minutes before tipoff.