Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler expressed disbelief and frustration over the lack of foul calls for teammate Stephen Curry following a 106-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday night at Chase Center. Butler, who joined the Warriors earlier this season, didn’t mince words when addressing what he perceives as a persistent officiating oversight toward the two-time MVP.
“I’ve never seen an individual get fouled more than he gets fouled,” Butler said post-game, shaking his head in exasperation. “To me, I think that’s astounding. It really angers me that he’s on my team and he gets hacked like that.” His comments came after a game where Curry, despite scoring 18 points, appeared to face significant physical defense from the Rockets without drawing the whistles many expected.
Butler highlighted Curry’s off-ball movement as a particular point of contention, noting that the Warriors’ star guard is often grabbed and held away from the play—actions he believes should be “automatic fouls.” He praised the Rockets’ defensive effort, shrugging as he described it as “whatever you want to call it,” but quickly pivoted to emphasize the disparity in officiating. “It’s been happening to him his whole career,” Butler added, underscoring a long-standing grievance among Warriors fans and players alike.
Curry, typically reserved about officiating, offered a measured response when asked about Butler’s remarks. “I don’t know how to answer that. Been around 16 years. You’ve seen it all. I don’t ever expect to get calls,” he said with a wry smile, suggesting a resigned acceptance of his reality. Despite his calm demeanor, the sentiment in the Warriors’ locker room was clear: Butler’s vocal support struck a chord.
Head coach Steve Kerr has previously theorized that Curry’s unique playing style—marked by relentless off-ball movement and face-guarding defenses—makes it challenging for referees to consistently call fouls. “He’s the only guy who faces that kind of top-locking defense,” Kerr noted earlier this week. “Officials just aren’t used to making that call.”
The Warriors’ loss dropped their record to 19-3 with Butler and Curry in the lineup, a testament to their potency as a duo since Butler’s arrival before the February trade deadline. Yet, Sunday’s game reignited a familiar debate about whether Curry, a four-time champion and one of the league’s biggest stars, receives the officiating respect his peers enjoy. Curry’s career free-throw attempt average hovers around 3.9 per game—a stark contrast to other top players known for drawing contact.
Butler, careful not to incur a fine, eventually deflected further questions about the referees. “That’s not my job, leave me alone,” he quipped, protecting his wallet while letting his initial point stand. For Warriors fans, however, his outspokenness was a welcome addition to a chorus that’s grown louder with each uncalled foul.