The Golden State Warriors‘ dominance in the 2010s left a lasting impact on NBA fans, especially those who supported rival teams like LeBron James‘s Cleveland Cavaliers. With the Warriors making five straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019, securing three championships, their heated rivalry with LeBron and the Cavs became one of the most memorable storylines of that era.
For many LeBron James fans, the Warriors’ success became a symbol of frustration and rivalry. This sentiment was echoed by Houston Rockets star Amen Thompson, who revealed that his dislike for the Warriors began as a result of his devotion to LeBron.
Amen Thompson Reveals How He Became a Warriors Hater
During an appearance on the ‘The Young Man and the Three’ podcast alongside his brother Ausar Thompson, Amen Thompson shared how he went from liking the Warriors to “hating” them. He explained that as a fan of LeBron James, he initially didn’t have any animosity towards the Warriors. However, everything changed when the Warriors began facing off against LeBron and the Cavs in the Finals.
“No, I was a LeBron fan, I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t dislike the Warriors,” Thompson admitted. “I actually liked the Warriors, until they had to start playing LeBron. And then I’m like, ‘Okay, now I hate the Warriors.’”
With the Warriors having a 3-1 record against LeBron and the Cavs in those NBA Finals matchups, it’s easy to understand why Thompson’s feelings toward the Warriors changed. The constant heartbreak for LeBron fans, including Thompson, fueled his growing rivalry with Golden State.
Thompson’s Chance at Revenge: Rockets vs. Warriors
As a 22-year-old rising star, Amen Thompson eventually found himself competing against LeBron in the NBA. However, his opportunity to take revenge on the Warriors came in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, when his Houston Rockets met Golden State in the opening round.
Unfortunately for Thompson, the Rockets, an inexperienced team at the time, fell short in a heartbreaking 4-3 series defeat to the Warriors. The chance for redemption was lost, but with the addition of Kevin Durant to the Rockets roster, Thompson and his team are poised to have a much stronger chance at overcoming the Warriors if the two teams face off again in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
As Thompson continues to develop and the Rockets improve, it’s clear that his past rivalry with the Warriors—and the opportunity to get back at them—will add another layer of excitement to his budding career.
