Warriors on the Edge
Determined Golden State Warriors seek to conclude gritty NBA playoff duel against Houston Rockets.
Steph Curry, four-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, feels that this year's squad, fortified by the mid-season addition of Jimmy Butler, is carving its unique path to victory. In an interview, Curry said, "This team is trying to do something for the first time together, and I love that challenge. We have an opportunity to write our own story and bounce back."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr conceded early in Game 5, pulling his starters with over five minutes remaining in the third quarter, trailing by 29 points. The Rockets reduced the series lead to 3-2, but Butler remains undeterred, promising, "Our confidence won't waver. We'll start out better, play a better overall game."
Preparing for the next showdown, the Warriors are bracing for another physical encounter, including what Draymond Green described as "pretty obvious" attempts by Dillon Brooks to target Curry's sprained right thumb. Brooks, unapologetic, defended his actions, stating, "If someone had an injured ankle, I would attack that ankle every single time."
Kerr maintained that Curry, who has been wearing a stabilizing wrap on his thumb since an injury in December, was unfazed by the contact. Kerr explained, "The rule in the NBA is once the shot has been released, you're allowed to hit the guy's arm. So players all over the league are taking shots at guys’ shooting hands after the release, because they know it's not going to be a foul."
Green, Green shared concerns about the long-term effects of this practice on player safety, asserting that an injury like a broken thumb or hand could occur if contact becomes too aggressive. Kerr concurred, expressing hope for future rule changes to safeguard players and promote fair play.
Curry attempts to disregard the contact, stating, "There's a subtle difference in how certain people do it. But if you dwell on it and get distracted, then you're not worried about making shots. I'm trying to do both, make shots and let them know if I got fouled."
Basketball Rule Debate
Recent discussions around the NBA rule concerning contact with a player's shooting hand after releasing a shot have sparked some controversy, especially in relation to Steph Curry's thumb injury. As it stands, players can legally make contact with a shooter's hand post-shot release, provided the contact does not amount to a flagrant foul. While teams employ this tactic as a defensive strategy, concerns about player safety have been raised, suggesting the need for rules alterations to minimize injury risks and ensure fair play.
With the league expected to address this issue in the future, these aggressive defensive tactics will likely persist until changes are implemented. The Warriors, with their sights set on the championship, are ready to tackle these challenges head-on.
- The Warriors, aiming for the championship, are preparing to face aggressive defensive tactics, particularly targets on Steph Curry's sprained right thumb, as noted in the NBA rule that allows contact with a shooter's hand after the shot release.
- Green, voicing concerns, shared that the potential for more aggressive contact could lead to serious injuries, such as a broken thumb or hand, and emphasized the need for rule changes to ensure player safety.
- Kerr, acknowledging the current rule, stressed that Curry was unfazed by the contact and advised his team to focus on making shots and resisting distraction while facing such defensive strategies.
- As basketball rule debates continue, with the aim of implementing changes to safeguard players and promote fair play, the Warriors, led by Curry's determination, will undeniably reckon with these challenges and strive for victory in 2025.
