The Golden State Warriors fell to the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their first-round of the 2024-25 NBA playoff series, suffering a 131–116 loss that put their postseason hopes in jeopardy. From the opening quarter, Houston came out aggressive and dictated the tempo, with their physical defense—particularly on Stephen Curry—drawing the most attention postgame.
Curry, who has battled through a thumb injury in recent games, addressed the officiating during his postgame press conference, specifically referencing uncalled fouls. “You don’t think about it, and if it’s a foul, they should call it,” Curry said, via 95.7 The Game. “That’s it. If it’s a foul, they should call it.”
The All-Star guard has played through visible swelling on his right thumb, with a viral pregame image highlighting the extent of the injury. Though Curry has maintained that it isn’t significantly affecting his performance, speculation has grown that Rockets players—most notably Dillon Brooks—have been targeting the injured area.
Dillon Brooks responds to targeting allegations
Known league-wide for his antagonistic on-court persona, Brooks didn’t shy away when asked whether he was intentionally going after Curry’s thumb.
“I’ve been playing the game for a while. If I had an injured ankle, I would attack that ankle every single time,” Brooks said. “So whatever they’re saying on the broadcast, they can keep saying it.” The forward’s comments only reinforced his reputation as a defensive agitator unafraid to toe the line between physicality and controversy.
Draymond Green acknowledges the strategy—but refuses to complain
Veteran forward Draymond Green weighed in on the Rockets‘ physical approach, acknowledging that Houston seemed to be zeroing in on Curry’s injury—but stopped short of calling for action.
“Yeah, I’ve noticed it. I think it’s pretty obvious, but it is what it is,” Green said. “I’m not one to cry to you about what the league should do. I see enough people cry about me, and I lose respect for those people. So I would not allow somebody to lose respect for me over that. It’s all good.”
With the Warriors now facing elimination, questions remain about Curry’s health, the Rockets’ tactics, and whether Golden State can regroup in time to force a Game 6 in the NBA playoffs.