Warriors Sound Alarm: Are Rockets Exploiting Curry’s Thumb Injury to Gain Playoff Edge?

Stephen Curry isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders these days, and anyone watching the playoff spectacle can tell. After suffering a thumb injury in January — only to aggravate it again just as the regular season wrapped — Curry’s been limping through this postseason, managing the pain with ice and treatments. Now, it seems the Houston Rockets have taken note, and they aren’t shy about exploiting that vulnerability. In the recent Game 5 loss, their pointed tactics to disrupt Curry, specifically going after that injured thumb every time he let a shot fly, drew some serious attention. The Warriors’ broadcast crew didn’t hold back pointing out Houston’s deliberate approach, and the on-court skirmishes between Curry and Rockets forward Dillon Brooks had an edge you could almost cut with a knife. While Curry kept his cool publicly, calling it part of the game and trusting officials to officiate fairly, those closest to him—like coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green—didn’t hold back their frustration, calling the loophole in the rules “the dumbest thing” and openly questioning the officiating standards. Brooks? Well, he played the villain with a smirk and no regrets, unapologetically admitting he’d target any weakness, injuries be damned. This mix of grit, gamesmanship, and gray-area tactics has added a whole new layer of tension to the series—one that could redefine how physical playoff basketball gets moving forward. Despite the hurdles, Curry’s numbers have remained impressive through it all, but with the Warriors clinging to a 3-2 lead, the question lingers: Can he shake off the pain and the swaggering defense that’s haunted him before Game 6 tips off this Friday? LEARN MORE.

Despite Wednesday’s loss, the Warriors still hold a 3-2 lead in the series. Curry will have one day to rest his ailing thumb before the Warriors take the court Friday for Game 6.AdvertisementBrooks didn’t deny the strategy. Since it’s not technically a penalty, Brooks shouldn’t face any repercussions for his comments. Given how much the issue came to light following the Warriors’ loss in Game 5, however, it’s possible officials will begin calling fouls if they feel the swiping becomes egregious.

Brooks didn’t deny the strategy. Since it’s not technically a penalty, Brooks shouldn’t face any repercussions for his comments. Given how much the issue came to light following the Warriors’ loss in Game 5, however, it’s possible officials will begin calling fouls if they feel the swiping becomes egregious.

Brooks didn’t deny the strategy. Since it’s not technically a penalty, Brooks shouldn’t face any repercussions for his comments. Given how much the issue came to light following the Warriors’ loss in Game 5, however, it’s possible officials will begin calling fouls if they feel the swiping becomes egregious.

“I’ve been playing the game.”

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Warriors coach Steve Kerr and forward Draymond Green were more forthcoming with their thoughts. Green said the Rockets’ strategy was “pretty obvious, but it is what it is.” Green added, “I’m not one to come cry to you about what the league should do.”AdvertisementIt was the perfect time for the broadcast team to mention the Rockets’ strategy. After Curry released the ball, Rockets forward Dillon Brooks appeared to swing his hand to hit Curry’s injured hand. Curry fell to the ground. When he got up, he appeared to argue with the refs over Brooks’ antics. It may not have resulted in a foul, but Curry made officials aware he felt he was being targeted.