Following the Rockets’ 131-116 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 at the Toyota Center on Wednesday, Curry, Kerr and the Warriors were asked if Brooks and the Rockets were trying to purposely hit Curry’s injured right thumb when he shoots — a move that is actually allowed by NBA rules, as long as the contact is made after the shot is released.
The Warriors did not broach the topic, but reporters repeatedly asked them about it after a Golden State broadcaster pointed out the Rockets had targeted Curry’s thumb a few times in Games 4 and 5.
“You don’t think about it,” said Curry, who had 13 points and seven assists in 23 minutes. “And if it’s a foul, they should call it.”
Curry first sustained the injury in January and said every time it started to feel better, it would be hit again. The thumb improved, but he then reinjured it in the second-to-last game of the regular season.
Curry has played with a wrap around the thumb and has been icing it after games and receiving treatment. He said it was not impacting how he plays.
“It is something I am dealing with,” he said.
Warriors power forward Draymond Green, when asked about the Rockets hitting Curry’s thumb, said it also was something he noticed.
“I think it’s pretty obvious, but it is what it is,” he said. “I’m not one to come to cry to you about what the league should do.”
Kerr would not blame players for trying to take any advantage that they can within the rules. But he said the league needs to adjust the rule next season.
