Overview

• Stephen Curry’s injured right thumb remains a focal point as the Houston Rockets, led by Dillon Brooks, openly target it during the playoff series.
• Brooks has publicly admitted to exploiting Curry’s injury, justifying it as a legitimate tactic under the NBA’s hit-and-release rule, which allows incidental hand contact.
• Steve Kerr has filed a formal complaint with the NBA regarding the Rockets’ strategy, though the league has yet to take action on the matter.
• Curry’s scoring has dropped significantly, averaging just 15 points over the last two games, including a 13-point performance in Game 5.
• Despite persistent irritation and swelling in his thumb, Curry remains off the Warriors’ injury report and has vowed to play through the pain without using it as an excuse.