This is commonly known as the “high-five rule” and is explained in the NBA’s video rulebook, with an example showing a defender slapping the shooting hand of a player during his follow-through: “Because the contact was incidental, and it occurred after the release of the shot, no foul would be assessed on this play.”

"Adam silver needa suspend Dillon brooks for admitting to targeting curry’s injured thumb. Clear hatred towards the warriors. Amen Thompson clearly injured jimmy butler and now brooks admitted to going after curry," a comment on X read.

After Curry’s jump shots, Rockets defenders made an effort to swipe at his compromised digit while he snapped his wrist. The Warriors’ television broadcast picked up the trend during Game 5, which led to accusations that the Rockets were attempting to injure Curry.