Dillon Brooks was one of the key instigators in the series, having multiple differences with stars like Draymond Green and Steph Curry. After Houston's Game 5 win, Brooks and Rockets center Alperen Sengun wore shades to their (indoor) post-game media commitments, a slight that Curry didn't forget.

Brooks openly admitted that he was indeed targeting Curry's thumb. This did not stop Curry from averaging exceptional numbers and facilitating his team's win in the series. He averaged 24.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the seven games so far in the Playoffs.