Is Dillon Brooks Aiming for Stephen Curry's Thumb? He Acknowledges His Tactic, Claims to Be 'Playing the Game'
The Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks responds to accusations of targeting Steph Curry's injury during the playoffs, highlighting NBA rules that allow such actions.
The Houston Rockets achieved a decisive victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their first playoff round. Key contributions came from Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks. All but one of the Rockets’ starting lineup scored in double figures, reinforcing their defensive prowess as the Warriors managed a mere 41% shooting from the field.
A spotlight of attention was on Stephen Curry, who only managed to score 13 points, hindered both by Thompson’s tight defense and a right thumb injury that Curry kept wrapped throughout the series. After the game, he remarked on the pain, stating it was something he was ‘dealing with’ following a viral photo of his swollen thumb. Although he avoided specifics on the injury’s exact nature, images suggested it was significant.
The situation has provoked discussions, particularly on local broadcasts, where some commentators like Bob Fitzgerald voiced skepticism regarding Brooks’s defensive style against Curry’s injury. Fitzgerald remarked, “Whenever Steph attempts a 3-pointer and Dillon Brooks is nearby, he swings at Curry’s right hand. It seems intentional, almost calculated to aggravate Curry’s thumb.”
Brooks responded to questions about targeting Curry’s injury after game five without outright denying the implication: “I’m just playing the game; if you come to play injured, I’m going to focus on that. If I were hurt, I’d expect the same treatment. Whatever the commentators say, they can keep saying it.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed Brooks’s approach, arguing while he disapproves of such tactics, the current NBA rules permit them. Kerr explained, ‘Once the shot is taken, you’re allowed to make contact with the shooter’s arm. Players in the league have learned to exploit this loophole.’ Kerr anticipates changes to the rules, citing concerns that such actions could lead to severe injuries. “Next year, I expect to see adjustments because someone is going to get seriously hurt from this.”
Curry must navigate through Brooks’s approach as the series continues, aiming to avoid a repeat of their fifth game’s outcome.
