If you’re watching a Rockets or Pistons game lately, you've probably heard the announcers gushing about "the twins." It's almost become a cliché. But there is something genuinely weird about seeing two humans with that kind of twitchy, explosive athleticism playing on different sides of the country. Naturally, everyone starts Googling the same thing: How old are these guys, anyway?
The Amen and Ausar Thompson age is actually 22 right now.
They were born on January 30, 2003. That means they’re about to hit that "23-year-old leap" later this month. Most people assume they’re younger because they were part of that experimental Overtime Elite (OTE) wave, which felt like a playground for teenagers. But honestly? They entered the league more physically "ready" than most one-and-done college kids.
The "One Minute" Difference
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. Amen is the older brother.
By exactly sixty seconds.
Imagine having that over your twin for your entire life. "I'm the elder, give me the controller." They were born in San Leandro, California, right in the heart of the East Bay. Their parents, Maya Wilson and Troy Thompson, basically engineered them for this. Not in a weird way, but in a "we’re going to train in the park until the streetlights come on" kind of way.
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They moved to Florida when they were 14. Why? To play at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. It worked. They dominated. Then they skipped their senior year of high school to go pro with OTE. That’s why their career path looks a little "glitchy" compared to someone who went to Kentucky or Duke.
Why 22 is a Scary Age for the NBA
In the current 2025-26 season, 22 is a sweet spot. Most players at the Amen and Ausar Thompson age are still trying to figure out how to not turn the ball over.
Amen, playing point guard for the Houston Rockets, has been putting up some ridiculous numbers lately. Just a few days ago, on January 11, 2026, he dropped 31 points and 13 rebounds against the Kings. He’s 6'7" and playing PG. Think about that. He’s basically a more athletic version of those "big guards" we haven't seen since the early 2000s.
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Then you have Ausar in Detroit.
His journey has been a bit rockier. He had a major scare with a blood clot issue that sidelined him at the start of last season. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize these "superhumans" are still just kids. He’s back now, though. He’s the defensive specialist—the guy who will pick you up full-court and make your life miserable for 30 minutes.
Breaking Down the Numbers (The Real Ones)
If you look at the stats from this year, the brothers are diverging a bit.
- Amen Thompson: Averaging about 18.7 points and over 5 assists. He’s becoming a focal point of the Rockets' offense.
- Ausar Thompson: Averaged roughly 11.2 points this season but is a terror on the glass and the defensive end.
People love to compare them, but it's sorta apples and oranges. Amen is the engine. Ausar is the glue.
They both share the middle name "XLNC." Yes, it’s pronounced "Excellency." Their dad, Troy, actually told their mom when they met at Howard University that they would have three sons and two would be NBA twins. Talk about manifesting. Their older brother, Troy Jr., played D1 ball too. The genetics in that house are just different.
What Happens Next?
So, what should you actually watch for?
The Amen and Ausar Thompson age puts them on a timeline where their "prime" starts in about three years. Right now, they’re still "raw" shooters. Amen is shooting under 20% from three this season. That’s... not great. But his free throw shooting has jumped to nearly 80%. That is a massive indicator that the touch is developing.
If you’re a betting person or a fantasy manager, keep an eye on their January 30th birthday. Usually, players get a little "birthday boost," but these two are so competitive with each other that they probably just want to outscore the other one.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Free Throw %: For Amen, this is the "tell." If he stays above 75%, he becomes unguardable because you can't just hack him when he drives.
- Check the Defensive Stocks: (Steals + Blocks). Ausar is a top-10 defensive wing already. If you’re building a defensive-minded team in a sim or fantasy, he’s your guy.
- Ignore the "Twin" Label: Start looking at them as individual stars. Amen is a jumbo playmaker; Ausar is a lockdown "Swiss Army Knife."
The Thompson era is just starting. They aren't the "OTE kids" anymore. They’re 22-year-old vets-in-the-making who are currently reshaping how we think about "positionless" basketball.
Keep an eye on the Rockets and Pistons injury reports. As long as these two stay on the floor, the league’s highlight reels are going to be dominated by the same last name for a long, long time.