Stephen Curry was hit with the first flagrant foul of his 17-year NBA career Tuesday night after a reckless closeout on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe, marking a rare blemish in the Golden State Warriors star’s otherwise disciplined record. The incident occurred late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ 126–102 loss at Paycom Center.
With just over one second remaining in the opening period, Curry stepped into Joe’s landing space as the Thunder guard attempted a three-pointer. Officials reviewed the play and assessed Curry a flagrant foul penalty 1, citing the dangerous nature of the closeout. Joe was awarded three free throws, and the Thunder retained possession.
Steph received the first flagrant foul of his NBA career for this 😬 pic.twitter.com/o5K3msehQq
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 12, 2025
Curry, who returned to action after missing three games due to a minor ankle injury, appeared surprised by the call but did not contest it. The foul was not malicious, but the league has emphasized protecting shooters from unsafe closeouts in recent seasons.
Curry finished with 11 point in 20 minutes, and the Warriors were overwhelmed by the defending champion Thunder. Oklahoma City dominated from the first quarter onward, outscoring Golden State 44–28 in the third and extending their lead to as much as 28 points. The final score read 126-102.
