Amen Thompson, often dubbed as a potential 'Curry stopper,' faced a challenging reality check against Stephen Curry in the first round of the playoffs. Despite Thompson’s exceptional defensive prowess, Curry showcased his scoring capability, netting 31 points in Game 1 and 36 in Game 3, even amid Houston's defensive pressure. In Game 5, however, Curry struggled with just 13 points as Thompson recorded an impressive defensive performance with five steals and three blocks, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve such a feat in playoff history.

The series has seen Curry averaging 15 points over the last two games with shooting struggles, totaling 19 turnovers through the series. Thompson's defensive intensity has clearly rattled Curry, reminiscent of a quarterback feeling pressure even before it arrives. Dillon Brooks highlighted Thompson's focus on defense, which has sparked Houston's energy and performance. As the series progresses, Thompson’s ability to pressure one of the league’s greatest scorers will continue to be pivotal.