Warriors’ Concerns Over Curry’s Thumb as Rockets Take Game 5
HOUSTON — In a game that had its fair share of drama and intensity, the Golden State Warriors found themselves on the losing end against the Houston Rockets, falling 131-116 in Game 5 at the Toyota Center. The game was marked by a controversial moment early in the first quarter when Stephen Curry launched a 3-pointer with Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks closing in on him.
Brooks made contact with Curry’s right hand and injured thumb after the shot was released, but no foul was called. This led to Curry and Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressing their frustration to the officials. The incident raised questions about whether the Rockets were intentionally targeting Curry’s thumb, a tactic that is technically allowed by NBA rules as long as the contact occurs post-release.
Despite the speculation, the Warriors did not directly address the issue, although reporters pressed them on it after a Golden State broadcaster suggested the Rockets had targeted Curry’s thumb in previous games. Curry, who scored 13 points and had seven assists in 23 minutes, downplayed the situation, saying, “You don’t think about it. And if it’s a foul, they should call it.”
Curry’s thumb injury, first sustained in January, has been a recurring issue. Although it had improved, he reinjured it just before the playoffs. He has been playing with a wrap and receiving treatment, but insists it hasn’t affected his performance, stating, “It is something I am dealing with.”
Warriors power forward Draymond Green acknowledged the situation, saying, “I think it’s pretty obvious, but it is what it is. I’m not one to come to cry to you about what the league should do.”
Kerr, while not blaming players for exploiting the rules, called for a change. “So the rule is once the shot has been released, you’re allowed to hit a guy’s arm,” Kerr explained. He expressed confidence that the league would address the issue next season, noting, “It’s only a matter of time before somebody breaks a thumb or breaks a hand or whatever.”
Brooks dismissed the accusations, saying, “I’ve been playing the game. If [someone] had an injured ankle, I would attack that ankle every single time.”
Curry’s shooting has been affected, going 10-for-25 overall and 5-for-17 on 3-pointers in the last two games, scoring a combined 30 points. In contrast, he scored 36 points and made 5 of 13 3-pointers in Game 3. Game 5 saw the Rockets dominate, extending their lead to 30 points in the second quarter, prompting Kerr to pull his starters early in the third quarter. Curry struggled against Amen Thompson‘s defense, who recorded five steals in the first half.
Kerr maintained that Curry’s thumb wasn’t impacting his play, attributing the situation to players exploiting the rules. “It’s just players are going to do whatever they’re allowed to do,” he said. “So on every release Steph’s getting hit, but it’s basically within the rules.”
Despite the setback, the Warriors remain unfazed. They recalled a similar situation during their 2022 title run when they led 3-1 against the Memphis Grizzlies but lost Game 5. They eventually closed out the series and won the championship.
- Warriors’ resilience: The team has faced similar challenges before and emerged victorious.
- Rule change: Kerr and others are advocating for a change in the rules regarding post-release contact.
- Player tactics: The debate continues on whether targeting injuries is fair play or unsportsmanlike.
Green, seen discussing adjustments with assistant coaches and Jimmy Butler III, emphasized the team’s experience, saying, “You got something to draw back on. Yeah, they played a good game. Whether they win by one or 50, it’s a playoff series. It counts as one win.”
Kerr plans to rely on the championship experience of himself, Curry, and Green, as well as Butler’s experience in overcoming playoff challenges. “Our guys have been here many times,” Kerr said. “Jimmy’s been here many times. This is what the playoffs are about.”
Butler expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back for Game 6 at Chase Center, saying, “We’re fine. Our confidence isn’t going to waver any.”
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: Ohm Youngmisuk
