Jimmy Butler shares bold take on Rockets’ defense against Stephen Curry after Warriors’ loss

The race for a playoff spot in the NBA has never been more intense. With the Golden State Warriors vying for a position alongside five other teams in the Western Conference, their recent defeat against the Houston Rockets has added pressure on Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

With just four games remaining in the regular season, the Warriors‘ playoff hopes are far from certain. While their goal remains to avoid facing the top teams in the conference, their loss to the Rockets has complicated things. The defeat, which fans did not expect, leaves Golden State with little room for error if they hope to secure at least the third seed.

Despite the tough loss, what caught the attention of fans and Curry’s teammates was the Rockets‘ defensive approach against him. According to Butler, the Rockets didn’t exactly “guard” Curry, they repeatedly fouled him. He shared a bold opinion about Houston’s strategy.

“They did a good job, or whatever you want to call it,” Butler said after the game. “I’ve never seen anyone get fouled more than he does. To me, that’s astounding. And it’s been happening to him his entire career.”

Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stands on the court during the first half of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers

Curry comments on Rockets’ defensive strategy

For fans in the stands, there were several controversial non-calls by the referees. However, it was clear that the Rockets had a strategy to limit Curry’s impact on the game, with the reigning NBA MVP struggling to find open looks. Despite the Rockets’ defensive efforts, the post-game reactions about their defense were less than complimentary.

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Even Curry himself weighed in on the matter, responding to a reporter who mentioned what Butler had said about Houston’s defense. “I don’t know how to answer that. Been around 16 years. You’ve seen it all. I don’t ever expect to get calls,” Curry remarked.

The loss to the Rockets leaves the Warriors in a tough spot, as the regular season nears its conclusion and the playoff race in the Western Conference tightens. On Tuesday, Golden State faces the Phoenix Suns, a team battling for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.

Curry surpasses Reggie Miller on All-Time scoring list

Despite the tough loss and ongoing concerns about the Rockets’ defense, Curry did receive some positive news on the court. He surpassed NBA legend Reggie Miller on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, becoming the league’s second-leading scorer with a total of 25,281 career points. Miller himself acknowledged Curry’s milestone, sending a congratulatory message that was shared on the Warriors’ official social media accounts.