The Golden State Warriors went limp in their latest game against the Houston Rockets, falling to a 95-106 loss to the No. 2 seeds in the West. This ended a five-game winning streak where Stephen Curry has been dominating any defense put in front of him. The Rockets stopped his hot streak, holding him to just three points in Curry’s second-worst performance of the season.
Amid Curry’s struggles, new teammate Jimmy Butler made some strong remarks after the game about the lack of foul calls Curry receives, something he claims ‘angers’ him now that they’re teammates.
“They did a good job. Whatever you wanna call it. *shrugs*”
“I don’t even know. I’ve seen an individual get fouled more than he gets fouled. To me, I think it’s astounding. It’s crazy to say, but he’s used to it. He’s been having this issue his whole career, but he’s found a way through it, around it, under it. It’s tough.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen it since I’ve been here. I don’t know how many years he’s got, what he got, 16? I’m pretty sure this has been happening for 16 straight years. It really angers me that he’s on my team and he gets treated that way.”
Butler was asked if he was talking about fouls on the ball or off the ball before dismissing any more questions, which could get him in trouble with the referees.
“Both. Off the ball… Leave me alone, I don’t wanna talk about it no more.”
Jimmy Butler on Steph Curry: “I’ve never seen an individual get fouled more than he gets fouled.” pic.twitter.com/05RaYEUL07
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 7, 2025
Steph averaged 4.3 free throw attempts per game, which would indicate he’s bang-average at getting to the line, if not below-average, given his usage. While he has a perimeter-centered style of play, Curry is also a talented driver who can hit a variety of difficult layups. Despite his drive game, he rarely gets the calls he deserves.
NBA referees usually bite their whistle on fouls off the ball or on three-pointers, so Curry doesn’t benefit from that. Butler referred to off-ball fouls in his interview, primarily because Curry flashes open for catch-and-shoot opportunities beyond the arc, which often leads to him clattering into defenders setting screens and trying to disrupt his rhythm.
The lack of free throws has become a surprising hallmark of many NBA veterans. LeBron James, who’s still a powerful inside presence who’s been playing a lot more in the post since acquiring Luka Doncic, is just averaging 4.7 free-throw attempts per game. Their status alone causes defenses to guard them more aggressively, so it’s bizarre to see their numbers as low as they are.
The referees are seemingly allowing more physical defense right now, giving Playoff teams a potential preview of the Playoffs where increased physicality isn’t often punished as punitively as in the regular season.
Curry will never be a free throw magnet, but Butler’s calls might help bring more attention to a topic that Warriors fans have championed for years.
