In the latest Kevin O’Connor Show, the discussion centers around the 2024-25 NBA awards ballot, highlighting fierce competitions such as Nikola Jokic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP and Amen Thompson vs. Draymond Green for Defensive Player of the Year. A notable topic was whether Payton Pritchard deserves the title of Sixth Man of the Year, and the eligibility of Cade Cunningham for Most Improved Player considering his status as a former first overall pick.

The episode also recaps the Minnesota Timberwolves' decisive victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, where Anthony Edwards shone brightly, scoring over 40 points. With Zach Edey showing improvement for Memphis, the Timberwolves' potential rise to the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff picture becomes a focal point.

Amen Thompson, the second-year guard/forward for the Houston Rockets, has emerged as a strong contender for NBA defensive honors this season. With impressive averages of 14.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and notable defensive stats including 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, Thompson's performance has caught the attention of analysts and fans alike.

His standout defensive display against Steph Curry exemplifies his skills, as he held the future Hall-of-Famer to just 3 points in a game where Curry shot a mere 10%. Currently, Thompson is a potential candidate for both the All-Defensive First Team and the Defensive Player of the Year award, showcasing not only his elite defensive capabilities but also the significant impact he has on the Rockets, who have vastly improved their win total this season.

Draymond Green has identified Amen Thompson as the linchpin for the Houston Rockets as they gear up for the playoffs. After a standout performance against the Golden State Warriors, where Thompson's defensive prowess stifled Stephen Curry, Green expressed his admiration for Thompson's growing confidence and athleticism. Thompson’s contributions have played a crucial role in the Rockets' recent successes, including two wins against the Warriors in their last three meetings.

Green, who acknowledged the individual talents of his teammates, remains optimistic about a potential playoff rematch against Houston, citing the Warriors' experience as a significant advantage. With the Rockets positioning themselves for a high playoff seed, Thompson's performance will be pivotal in their quest for postseason success.

Stephen Curry, a perennial scoring machine, faced an unusual struggle on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, finishing with just three points in a 106-96 loss. This marked the lowest point total for Curry in any game where he played over 30 minutes. The Rockets' defense, spearheaded by Amen Thompson, effectively neutralized Curry, forcing him to shoot just 1-for-10 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Despite entering the game riding high with recent performances of 52, 37, and 36 points, Curry couldn't find his rhythm.

Thompson's performance against Curry showcased his defensive prowess, as he relentlessly pressured the Warriors' star without committing fouls. Rockets coach Ime Udoka highlighted the team's focus on containing Curry, reflecting on Thompson's standout capability as a defender in only his second season. Teammate Alperen Sengun praised Thompson's intensity, noting how he has consistently locked down top players in the league. Conversely, Jimmy Butler commented on the physicality that Curry endures, suggesting the Rockets walked the fine line between strong defense and fouling effectively.

A thrilling win for the Houston Rockets as they dominated the Golden State Warriors 106-96, showcasing stellar defense that kept Steph Curry to just 3 points on 1-of-10 shooting. Amen Thompson was pivotal, recording a +26 rating during his time on the court, contributing significantly to Houston's current form with 15 wins in their last 17 games. With this victory, the Rockets solidified their position as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, needing just one more win or one loss from the Los Angeles Lakers to clinch it.

Jalen Green led the offensive efforts with 21 points while Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun added 24 and 19 points, respectively, demonstrating a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Warriors. Houston's defense stifled Golden State, which managed only 20 points in the fourth quarter, snapping a five-game winning streak for the home team. This marks Houston's first win at Golden State in over five years, emphasizing their growth as contenders this season.