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.

After Curry’s jump shots, Rockets defenders made an effort to swipe at his compromised digit while he snapped his wrist. The Warriors’ television broadcast picked up the trend during Game 5, which led to accusations that the Rockets were attempting to injure Curry.

Curry's thumb has become a subplot of this series, specifically on the local Warriors broadcast of the games when Brooks has been guarding the four-time champion. In Game 5, there was a moment when Warriors play-by-play broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald expressed frustration with how Brooks was guarding Curry.