Stephen Curry gave excessive reward to the Houston Rockets’ protection. He additionally spoke about Amen Thompson and highlighted his potential.
The Houston Rockets got here again from down 3-1 to power a Recreation 7 in opposition to the Golden State Warriors. They misplaced, however the sequence offered a stage for a few of their youthful stars.
Stephen Curry was dealing with considered one of his former youth camp abilities in Amen Thompson. The 22-year-old was a defensive beast for his workforce and gave his former mentor suits at instances.
Curry had three video games within the sequence the place he scored simply 20 factors or fewer. Houston’s protection was a menace, with Dillon Brooks inflicting controversy by suggesting he would goal Steph’s harm.
There can by no means be any compliments throughout a hard-fought NBA playoff matchup. However with Recreation 7 within the bag, Steph had some compliments prepared for his opponents.
Ime Udoka’s aspect had the 4th greatest defensive ranking in the whole NBA through the 2024-25 common season. Their workforce identification has been protection, and it confirmed on this sequence.
Chef Curry was held to only 30 factors mixed in Recreation 4 and Recreation 5 of the sequence, one thing that’s fairly unthinkable.
After Recreation 7, he mentioned, “That was one of many hardest defenses I believe I’ve ever confronted within the sense of the physicality that was allowed earlier within the sequence.
“After which their dedication to remove all of the patterns that we often thrive off of. Guarding me at halfcourt at instances, it was wild.”
Thompson has turn into an integral a part of the Houston protection already. Whereas his offensive recreation will take time to develop, he’s at a really excessive degree on the opposite aspect of the ball.
Contemplating their prior relationship, Steph was requested about Amen. He mentioned, “I talked to him after the sport, you kinda noticed him develop in entrance of all people’s eyes.
Cuz I do know the individuals who watch the Rockets night time in and night time out these previous few years have seen the potential, have seen the uncooked athleticism, the starvation.
“And he’s a dawg, he confirmed all seven video games. He’s gonna be an issue for positive. I do know he’s been making an attempt to develop his recreation offensively.
“Defensively, he’s a freak athlete, and I believe he loves the problem and likes to be within the battle. He was powerful all sequence.”
These feedback will present much more motivation for Amen Thompson, and that could be a scary thought for the remainder of the NBA.