The Golden State Warriors hold a 3-2 series lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round.
Despite being the No. 7 seed, the Warriors have been able to play from ahead, though a Game 5 loss has given the Rockets optimism that they can win the series.
Stephen Curry is playing through a nasty thumb injury, while also dealing with a pelvic injury he suffered late in the season.
Curry’s co-star, Jimmy Butler, took a brutal fall in Game 2, as he’s now also dealing with a pelvic injury.
While being blown out by Houston in Game 5, the Warriors took the time to rest their starters and let them get a head start at re-energizing before Game 6 — where they will look to close the series out in the Bay Area.
The series has brought plenty of theatrics, with both sides getting under the other’s skin.
Lost in the physicality has been the Rockets’ intentional action of swiping at Curry’s injured thumb, looking to lean into his weakness and hinder his play.
While many have come after Houston for their style of play and intentions, Dillon Brooks defended the team’s actions, as he’s been the primary culprit.
Brooks has message about Curry’s injury
Curry’s injury is a weakness — being on his shooting hand — and Brooks and the Rockets are leaning into that, as the Houston forward was honest when asked about whether or not he’s trying to hurt the superstar guard’s thumb further.
“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,” Brooks claimed.
Dillon Brooks on whether he's trying to get at Steph's thumb:
"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" pic.twitter.com/j3SwixMdDQ
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 1, 2025
Without directly saying, Brooks is essentially owning up to his actions, which have been more than clear on the hardwood.
The two sides have been chippy and physical, providing a remarkable five games as the series is well underway.
