Mark Jackson Sends Strong Message to NBA After Stephen Curry Injury in Rockets Series: “Players Like Him Deserve Protection”
In the wake of a heated playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson has spoken out strongly in defense of Stephen Curry, calling for immediate changes to the NBA’s officiating standards. Jackson, who coached the Warriors from 2011 to 2014 and played a pivotal role in developing their foundational core, issued a passionate plea to the league following what he termed an “ugly incident” that saw Curry sustain an injury due to repeated targeting by Rockets defenders.
Curry, the face of the Warriors franchise and a two-time MVP, was injured during Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals after a series of overly physical plays, culminating in an awkward fall that sidelined him for the remainder of the series. The Warriors, already stretched thin by injuries and inconsistent play, struggled without their superstar and were eventually eliminated by the surging Minnesota Timberwolves in the Conference Finals.
Speaking during a post-game panel on ESPN, Jackson didn’t mince words:
“He needs a bit of protection. Players like him are the reason why people pay a fortune for tickets. They come to see magic, not mauling,” Jackson said. “The league needs to step up. This can’t be allowed to happen, especially not to someone of Steph’s stature and importance to the game.”
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The play in question occurred midway through the second quarter of Game 3, when Curry drove to the basket and was met mid-air by a hard challenge from Rockets forward Dillon Brooks. While the referees initially called a common foul, replays showed that Curry had been repeatedly bumped, grabbed, and undercut on previous possessions as well. Fans and analysts alike expressed outrage over the lack of whistles, especially given the obvious targeting of Curry throughout the series.
Curry appeared to land awkwardly on his right knee and immediately grabbed at it in pain. He tried to continue playing but was eventually taken out and ruled out for the rest of the game—and, later, the series—with a Grade 2 MCL sprain. Without their floor general, the Warriors dropped two of the next three games, ending their playoff run earlier than expected.
League Reactions and Debates on Physicality
The incident has reignited a broader debate within NBA circles about how physical defenders can be with star players, particularly in the postseason. While playoff basketball is traditionally more physical, many believe the league has failed to protect marquee players from excessive contact that borders on unsportsmanlike conduct.
Jackson believes the time has come for rule changes that will protect elite offensive players from unnecessary harm.
“We’ve seen this before,” he said, referring to past injuries to stars like Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Rose, and even Curry himself during previous playoff runs. “We need a consistent standard. When guys are getting hacked every possession and nothing’s called, that’s not defense—it’s dangerous.”
He added that stars like Curry, whose playing style relies on quick cuts, agility, and off-ball movement, are especially vulnerable to off-ball holds, illegal screens, and borderline flagrant plays that aren’t always seen by referees.
Support for Jackson’s Call
Jackson’s comments have found support from several current and former players. Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, and even Warriors coach Steve Kerr all voiced their frustration with how the playoffs were officiated this year.
Kerr, after the series loss, admitted: “We felt like Steph wasn’t getting the protection he deserved. He’s not the type to flop or exaggerate contact, but that shouldn’t work against him.”
Durant took to social media to post: “If the league wants stars to shine, they gotta keep them on the floor. Simple.”
The Cost of Losing Curry
There’s no denying the impact Curry’s absence had on Golden State’s championship hopes. With the team struggling offensively and lacking their emotional leader, the Warriors fell into disarray. While Klay Thompson and Draymond Green provided some sparks, they couldn’t fill the massive void left by Curry’s injury.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, capitalized on the weakened Warriors lineup to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
For a player who has changed the very geometry of basketball, Curry’s playoff exit felt both abrupt and unjust. And for Mark Jackson, it was a painful reminder of how easily a team’s destiny can be derailed by a lack of enforcement.
A Call for Change
As the NBA looks ahead to the offseason, Jackson hopes his message isn’t lost in the noise of trade rumors and draft picks.
“This isn’t just about Steph. It’s about preserving the integrity of the game. We need our best players on the court, not in the locker room nursing injuries from plays that should never have happened.”
Whether the NBA takes action remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the conversation about player protection—especially for superstars like Stephen Curry—is far from over.
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