The Golden State Warriors entered the playoffs with momentum after surviving a tough play-in battle against the Memphis Grizzlies. Carrying a 3-1 series lead into Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, many expected business as usual for Golden State.
But Houston had other plans. From the opening tip, the Rockets came out aggressively, leading by 16 after the first quarter and maintaining that energy throughout the night in a 131-116 win on April 30.
However, it wasn’t the score — or the series-shifting result — that had fans buzzing. It was Dillon Brooks’ postgame admission.
Dillon Brooks Sparks Outrage After Admitting to Targeting Stephen Curry’s Injury
In a postgame interview, Brooks stunned fans by admitting he intentionally targeted Stephen Curry’s injured thumb during the matchup.
“I’m playing the game. Shoot, if you’re going to come play the game injured, whatever you’ve got, it’s all about the game. If I had an injured ankle, I would attack that ankle every single time,” Brooks said. “So whatever they’re saying on the broadcast, they can keep saying it.”
What should’ve been a celebratory moment for Houston turned into a firestorm of backlash.
While Curry is known for his composure and clean play, Brooks has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries.
One of the most talked-about moments came with 8:20 left in the first quarter when Curry rose for a 3-pointer. Both Alperen Sengun and Brooks closed out, and Brooks’ arm struck Curry’s already-injured right thumb just after the release. To many, it looked like more than just tight defense.
“A dirty player admitting he’s dirty,” one user posted on X.
Brooks, who entered the league in 2017, has yet to win a championship. Curry, in contrast, has four rings and is widely respected for his sportsmanship and elite play. Some fans argued that Brooks’ attitude is exactly why he hasn’t reached the top.
“The definition of dirty play and poor sportsmanship — this is why he’ll never be a champion,” said another fan, tagging the post with #DubNation.
Fans Point Out Brooks’ Hypocrisy
Adding to the irony, Brooks had previously called out Draymond Green for being a “dirty” player after Game 2 of the playoffs.
“No, I think the dirty player is Draymond [Green],” Brooks said then, referring to physical contact from Green.
Now, with Brooks in the same spotlight, fans were quick to call out the double standard.
“But Rockets fans will come on here crying about Draymond,” one user posted.
While some were content calling out Brooks for what they viewed as crossing the line, others went further, urging players around the league to return the favor and target Brooks in future games.
The Rockets may have cut the series deficit to 3-2, but Brooks’ comments have overshadowed the win.
What should’ve been a triumphant night for Houston has instead ignited a league-wide conversation about sportsmanship, injury targeting, and what it means to “play the game the right way.”
