In a recent post-game interview, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green expressed their concerns regarding the officiating of superstar Steph Curry during the Warriors’ disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets. Curry struggled significantly, finishing the game with just three points on a mere 1-for-10 shooting performance. However, it was the lack of foul calls in his favor that particularly caught the attention of Butler and Green.

Reflecting on his experiences, Draymond Green remarked that after 16 years in the league, Curry has learned to navigate a landscape where he often does not receive the fouls he arguably deserves. “I don’t ever expect to get calls,” Green said, emphasizing his commitment to playing through physicality without relying on the referees for protection. However, he acknowledged that the treatment Curry receives from officials is unusual and concerning.

Butler chimed in, highlighting the physical nature of the defense against Curry. He pointed out that the fouls against Curry, especially when he’s off the ball, are often overlooked, which he finds frustrating. “I’ve never seen an individual get fouled more than he gets fouled,” Butler stated, underscoring the relentless challenges Curry faces on the court.

Despite their candid remarks, both players were cautious, seemingly aware of the potential repercussions of criticizing officiating publicly. Butler humorously suggested he wanted to avoid any fines for their comments, a nod to the league’s strict policies regarding criticism of referees.

As the Warriors look to bounce back from this loss, the spotlight remains on how officiating impacts the game, particularly for star players like Steph Curry. The dialogue initiated by Butler and Green not only reflects their concern for a teammate but also highlights a broader issue within the league regarding player protection and officiating consistency.