This is commonly known as the “high-five rule” and is explained in the NBA’s video rulebook, with an example showing a defender slapping the shooting hand of a player during his follow-through: “Because the contact was incidental, and it occurred after the release of the shot, no foul would be assessed on this play.”

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.