Dillon Brooks Under Fire for Alleged Dirty Play Against Steph Curry in Game 3
Tensions continue to rise in the Warriors-Rockets playoff series, and not just because of the scoreboard. On April 29, NBA fans lit up social media after a new video clip appeared to show Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks taking a questionable swipe at Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry’s injured right hand during Game 3.
The incident occurred early in the fourth quarter with the Rockets leading 77–74. As Curry executed a signature step-back three-pointer, Brooks stayed tight on defense. But what caught the attention of fans and analysts alike wasn’t just the shot—it was what happened immediately after Curry released the ball.
In the now-viral footage, Brooks appears to swipe at Curry’s bandaged right hand—specifically his thumb—as the Warriors guard is in midair. A second swipe, seemingly after the play had already concluded, led many to speculate whether Brooks was making a routine contest or taking a cheap shot at Curry’s lingering injury.
Curry, who has been dealing with a thumb issue since January, has played through discomfort in recent months. He wore visible tape on his hand during the game, making the injury a known vulnerability. Despite this, he sank the high-pressure three-pointer to tie the game and shift momentum back in Golden State’s favor—reminding everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous players in postseason basketball.
Still, the focus quickly shifted from Curry’s brilliance to Brooks’ actions.
Did Brooks Cross a Line?
To some, the contact looked incidental—just an aggressive, closeout effort in the heat of playoff basketball. To others, it was unmistakably intentional, especially considering Brooks’ reputation.
The Warriors’ fanbase, already on edge due to a physical and chippy series, was quick to interpret the sequence as a deliberate attempt to target Curry’s injured thumb. Dozens of slow-motion breakdowns, screenshots, and comparisons to past incidents involving Brooks circulated within hours.
One user posted, “Dillon Brooks didn’t just contest—he hunted that thumb. Watch the replay. Twice.”
Another wrote, “Steph is the last fully healthy star left. If Brooks is trying to take him out, that’s crossing the line.”
Brooks has long played with an edge, and it’s no secret that he embraces the villain role. From trash-talking LeBron James to accumulating technicals at a record pace, he walks a fine line between physicality and provocation. This latest moment will do little to shift public perception.
A Pattern of Controversy
This isn’t the first time Brooks has been accused of playing dirty. During last year’s playoffs, he was ejected after delivering a flagrant foul to then-Warriors guard Gary Payton II, which led to a fractured elbow. That incident was widely condemned, including by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who called it “not a basketball play.”
Since joining the Rockets, Brooks has continued to stir drama with his aggressive on-court demeanor. But whether he crossed a line on April 29 remains a topic of heated debate.
The league has yet to issue any official statement or disciplinary action regarding the incident, and the referees did not call a foul on the play. Still, fans and media figures continue to demand accountability.
Curry Keeps Composure
As for Curry, the reigning two-time MVP showed no sign of being rattled. Not only did he hit the three over Brooks, but he continued to lead Golden State to a gritty Game 3 win, finishing with 36 points and logging over 40 minutes of action.
With Jimmy Butler sidelined due to a glute injury, Curry carried the offensive burden with little relief, all while managing the persistent thumb issue. That makes the alleged swipe all the more concerning—not just for what it could have done to Curry, but what it says about how opponents are choosing to play him.
Curry has yet to comment publicly on the incident, but his postgame demeanor suggested he was more focused on the win than any controversy. Still, the Warriors coaching staff is surely aware of the potential risk going forward.
Looking Ahead
Game 4, scheduled for May 1 in San Francisco, could be a decisive turning point in the series. With the Warriors holding a 2–1 lead, another victory would put them in a commanding position heading back to Houston. Whether Brooks’ actions motivate Golden State or stir up more tension on the court remains to be seen.
Either way, all eyes will be on Steph Curry—and Dillon Brooks—as the series continues. Will cooler heads prevail, or will this budding rivalry explode even further?
As the playoffs roll on, the line between tough defense and reckless play grows ever thinner. One thing is certain: the cameras, the fans, and the league office are all watching.
