When Dillon Brooks appeared to have been targeting Stephen Curry’s injured thumb throughout the Golden State Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Steve Kerr was clearly unimpressed. The veteran coach shared his disappointment in the approach during a recent news conference.
However, Stephen A. Smith has since threw his support behind Brooks and the Rockets. The ESPN anchor sees no issue with Houston targeting a clear weakness on the opposing team’s star player. Smith’s comments came via a May 1 episode of ESPN’s First Take.
“In case you don’t know, I think Steve Kerr is one of the top-six greatest coaches in the history of basketball,” Smith said. “I think he’s phenomenal. And I think he’s a good man, very contentious. But sometimes this Goody Two-shoes sanctimonious approach, it really rakes my nerves. Like he’s so above the fray. This man is a champion. Champion in Chicago. Champion in San Antonio. Champion as a coach in Golden State. He knows what comes with it…If you have a hurt thumb, hurt ankle, whatever debilitating issue you have, it’s going to be attacked. The man’s thumb is compromised on his shooting hand. The greatest shooter that ever lived might be compromised. And somebody’s not going to try to exploit that? Stop.”
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The Rockets are unlikely to change their approach. They’re 3-2 down in the series and one loss away from being eliminated. As such, Curry and co. should gear up for another physical battle. Ime Udoka has clearly given his team a tough identity, and it’s the reason they were so successful during the regular season.
As such, Kerr must find ways to protect his star player, especially if the game officials are going to let some things go. The playoffs are physical by nature, and targeting an opponent’s weakness is just part of the experience. Still, the Warriors will undoubtedly be hoping their May 2, game against Houston is the last of the season and that they book asecond-roundd matchup wth the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Stephen A. Smith disagrees with Steve Kerr over Dillon Brooks
