Golden State Warriors suffered a tough 106–96 loss to the Houston Rockets on the eve of the NBA Playoffs, a defeat that exposed deeper concerns beyond the box score. Chief among them? The Rockets’ relentless defense on Stephen Curry, who was held to just 3 points—his lowest-scoring game in recent memory—despite entering the contest on a hot streak and great support of Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Midseason addition Butler didn’t mince words after the game. The Warriors veteran was adamant that the officiating played a major role in Curry’s struggles, suggesting the NBA’s all-time three-point leader isn’t getting the respect he deserves from officials.
“They did a good job of whatever you wanna call it,” Butler told ClutchPoints when asked about the Rockets’ defensive approach. “I’ve never seen an individual get fouled more than he gets fouled. I think that’s astounding.”
Butler didn’t stop there. He extended his criticism beyond one game, calling it a career-long issue for the four-time NBA champion. “It’s crazy to say, but he’s used to it,” Butler continued. “It’s been happening to him his whole career, and he’s found a way through it, around it, under it—whatever you want to call it. It really angers me that he’s on my team and he gets hacked like that.”
Jimmy Butler #10 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after the game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
A longstanding problem in Curry’s career
Unlike high-usage stars who draw fouls by initiating contact, Curry’s off-ball movement and finesse-based style don’t generate the kind of calls other superstars routinely earn. But that doesn’t mean he’s not absorbing contact. From being bumped on screens to having defenders grab at him off the ball, Curry deals with constant pressure—often without the whistle.
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And when those fouls go uncalled, the consequences ripple throughout Golden State’s offense. It disrupts their spacing, kills momentum, and throws off a system built on precision and timing.
This isn’t a new conversation. Curry has never ranked among the league’s leaders in free throw attempts, despite being one of its most tightly guarded players for over a decade. Ironically, his ability to stay composed and avoid flopping may be the very reason he doesn’t receive superstar treatment from officials.
What comes next for the NBA?
With the postseason fast approaching, the NBA may need to take a closer look at how games are being called—especially when it comes to elite perimeter players like Curry. When a generational shooter and face of the league is openly being overlooked, it raises concerns not just about fairness, but about the consistency and integrity of officiating across the board. Because in the playoffs, every possession counts—and for the Warriors, so does every missed call.
