In Houston’s 109–94 Game 2 victory over Golden State at Toyota Center, the Rockets upended the series, 1–1, by smothering Steph Curry into a 20-point night on 6-for-15 shooting across 37 minutes of relentless defense. As Houston’s defenders clung to Curry on every dribble, forcing midrange jumpers and denying him clear driving lanes, the usual whistle never materialized.
Social media lit up with clips of Curry absorbing heavy contact—screen nudges, bump-and-runs, and hard closeouts—that went uncalled by officials. By morning, media outlets were dissecting 18 “non-calls” in the Golden State Warriors star’s favor. Now, with Game 3 looming, Dwyane Wade and Dorell Wright spoke up in light of the controversy.
Curry knows no scandals, no trash talk. But defenders keep mistaking that quiet confidence for weakness, and last night’s game was the perfect example of that. In the The Why with Dwyane Wade podcast, Dorell Wright called Curry “the most disrespected superstar has ever played in the NBA.” And after watching that game, it’s hard to argue against it.
Wright didn’t hold back, either. He believes the refs turn a blind eye anytime it’s Steph Curry getting hit. “In the NBA, if you watch any of his games, he does all this stuff without getting to the free-throw line. This is crazy…Bro, he doesn’t get the calls.” Wright said, venting like every Warriors fan last night. But Dwyane Wade came through with a different take, one that does make a lot of sense.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) watches during introductions before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
“From a playoff standpoint, I love that the refs have put that whistle in their pocket. Physicality, I love it.” Wade said. He added, “Because we ain’t in the regular season no more, we’re in the playoffs. And so I love the fact that the refs looking at the players like play through it.” Wade’s take leans into that old-school playoff vibe during his time with hardcore players like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. No easy buckets, no soft calls, just straight-up grit and toughness on the floor.
Wade added, “You don’t want to see everybody shooting free throws in the playoffs. No, I need you to show me. Go get a bucket. Go get a bucket.” And honestly, he’s got a point. The NBA is built for the fans, and fans would rather see monster dunks than whistle after whistle. Spectacle sells: fans prefer dunks and deep threes over free-throw marathons.
Wade believes those physical battles build character, separate contenders from pretenders, and make every playoff win mean a little more. Love it or hate it, Wade knows this is the kind of pressure where legacies are made. And on game 3 on April 26th, Steph will surely prove why he belongs in the GOAT convo.
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