The Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 7, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. However, the game wasn’t without controversy, as Stephen Curry appeared to accuse Dillon Brooks of deliberately targeting his injured right thumb on the follow-through of his shots.
Early in the game, Curry launched a three-pointer from the left wing, only for Brooks to close out aggressively, his contesting hand seemingly making direct contact with Curry’s thumb. Cameras captured Curry shaking out his hand before turning to the referee in frustration, visibly upset about the repeated contact.
Steph complaining that Brooks went for his thumb on the close out 👀 pic.twitter.com/Xpq23YsPld
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) May 5, 2025
Brooks, known for his physical defense and relentless style of play, has been accused throughout the series of intentionally swiping at Curry’s thumb. When asked about the accusations after Game 5, Brooks didn’t deny the tactic, stating:
“If I had an injured ankle, I would attack that ankle every single time. So, whatever they’re saying on the broadcast, they can keep saying it.”
Curry, who has been nursing the thumb injury since the latter half of the regular season, made a request to referees earlier in the series, demanding that fouls be called if his injury was being specifically targeted. His frustration boiled over in Game 7, as he repeatedly gestured toward officials after contested shots involving Brooks.
Despite the physical play, Curry managed to shake off a slow start, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. His clutch shooting in the fourth quarter helped seal the Warriors’ victory, ensuring their place in the next round.
With the Warriors advancing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, the focus now shifts to whether Curry’s thumb will continue to be a factor in the playoffs.
