The 2025 NBA playoffs delivered a first-round clash for the ages as the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets battled in a seven-game war that reignited one of the league’s fiercest rivalries. With Draymond Green’s relentless intensity and Dillon Brooks’ fiery edge, the series was a physical, emotional rollercoaster that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Warriors emerged victorious, advancing to the second round, but the bad blood between these teams lingers—fueled by recent comments from Rockets star Alperen Sengun, who still seems to be stewing over the loss.
Yet, amidst the tension, a surprising voice of respect has emerged from Houston’s young core. Amen Thompson, the Rockets’ 22-year-old defensive phenom, made waves with bold and insightful praise for Warriors star Draymond Green during a recent appearance on The Young Man and The Three podcast. Thompson’s comments not only highlighted Green’s brilliance but also revealed a mindset that positions him as a potential heir to the Warriors’ defensive legacy.
Thompson didn’t hold back when discussing what makes an elite defender, pointing to Draymond Green as the gold standard. “I feel like what makes the best defenders good is their IQ,” Thompson said. “I’ll give Draymond some credit. We played Draymond, and he’s not super athletic. Obviously, he’s got long arms, but he’s not gonna wow you athletically. But he’s talking the whole time. And he’ll put himself in a position, knowing they’re gonna do something, then he’ll bounce back to that position and get a steal.”
Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time All-Defensive Team member, has long been celebrated for his basketball IQ and relentless motor. While his offensive game can be inconsistent, his ability to read plays, communicate, and disrupt opponents is unmatched. Thompson’s recognition of Green’s cerebral approach shows a maturity beyond his years, signaling his own potential to become a defensive cornerstone.
“I feel like a lot of the best defenders can play offense on defense, you know what I mean?” Thompson added, encapsulating the proactive mindset that defines players like Green—and now, perhaps, himself.
As a sophomore who earned All-Defensive First Team honors, Thompson faced a trial by fire in his first playoff series: guarding none other than Steph Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history. When asked if he took the matchup personally, Thompson’s response was as fierce as it was respectful.
“Yeah. Everybody. To me, I’m supposed to be able to keep up with [Curry], I’m supposed to be able to make his life horrible,” Thompson said. “I mean, it’s Steph. Those are the hard ones. When you play the great players, Steph, he’s gonna make shots. [Kevin Durant]’s gonna make shots. You try to make their life as hard as possible… but you have to accept he’s gonna hit some long shots.”
Thompson’s determination to challenge the league’s elite, paired with his ability to stay grounded in the face of Curry’s brilliance, showcases a rare blend of confidence and humility. Guarding a superstar like Curry in your playoff debut is no small feat, yet Thompson embraced the challenge with a mindset that echoes the Warriors’ own defensive stalwarts.
The Warriors-Rockets series was more than just a playoff matchup—it was a revival of a storied rivalry that has defined Western Conference battles for years. While this Houston squad is a new breed compared to the James Harden-led teams of the past, the intensity remains. Sengun’s lingering frustration hints at more fireworks to come, but Thompson’s comments suggest a different kind of connection—one of mutual respect and shared defensive ethos.
At just 22, Amen Thompson is already carving out a reputation as one of the NBA’s brightest young defenders. His All-Defensive First Team nod in his second season is a testament to his potential, and his ability to learn from veterans like Draymond Green sets him on a trajectory to greatness. As he continues to develop, Thompson’s blend of athleticism, IQ, and tenacity could make him the unlikely heir to the defensive legacy that Green and the Warriors have built.