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Dillon Brooks Sends Strong Message After Steph Curry's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 2, 2025 10:14 PM ET

The first five games of the best-of-seven series between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors have been back and forth. Not just on the floor—but with words, too.

Steph Curry continues to be one of the biggest factors in the series. The veteran guard had 36 points in the Warriors’ Game 3 win. But in the last two games, he’s averaged just 15 points per game.

Houston knows exactly what Curry is capable of and is preparing to defend him in Friday night’s elimination game. Curry has also been dealing with a thumb injury—something the Rockets haven’t ignored in their physical approach to the series.

Rockets veteran Dillon Brooks spoke before the game and didn’t hold back when asked about the Warriors and Curry’s frustration with the physical play:

"If he's concerned about contact, he should play tennis," Brooks said, via ESPN's Paul Gallant.

Dillon Brooks on Steph Curry's thoughts on extra content via ESPN: "If he's concerned about contact he should play tennis." #Liftoff
— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) May 3, 2025

The injury to Curry came in Game 5 when Brooks' right arm made contact with Curry's right hand following a shot. There was no foul called on the play.

During the regular season, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 24.5 points per game and played in 70-of-82 games. Curry also shot a blistering 93.3% from the free-throw line. Golden State went 48-34 during the regular season, which earned them a spot in the play-in round against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors pulled out a 121-116 win on April 15.

Brooks has always been a thorn in the side of opponents, and he’s coming off his best game of the series in Game 5. The 29-year-old Oregon product dropped 24 points in just 28 minutes of action.

The Rockets forward appeared in 75 games this season, averaging 14 points per contest. He’s been with Houston since the start of the 2023–24 campaign after spending six seasons in Memphis.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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