The NBA has introduced a big rule change that will take effect in the 2025-26 season to better protect offensive players, and Stephen Curry played a major part in making it happen.
For years, defenders could hit the shooter's hand before or after a shot without being called for a foul. This was known as the "high-five rule." Now, the league has changed that contact as "hot stove contact," and it will finally be ruled as a foul against the defender.
Curry has been vocal about this problem for a long time, often sharing frustration to referees during games. Interacting with reporters, he elaborated why the change was required to keep players safe and the game fair.
“It was a conversation of when you're shooting, how you protect the shooter,” Steph said. “But when it became something where people were attacking hands, not just a closeout, but like a second motion, going in arms and hands and stuff like that, it's not basketball. Has nothing to do with affecting a shot, it's more just putting people in danger, that type of thing, and it's avoidable, you can still play great defense and avoid doing that.”
“We’ve been trying get that called for years so I do appreciate that as a shooter.”
Steph Curry instantly observed the benefit of the new rule in action during the Warriors' preseason match against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 8. He kicked-off Golden State's scoring with a three-pointer, and he released the shot, Portland's Toumani Camara swiped at his hands. The referee called a foul, and Curry eventually completed the four-point play.
Steph Curry went on to finish the night with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists as the Warriors secured a 129-123 win.
Steph Curry opens up on retirement
Steph Curry is going into his 17th season, and while he is still performing at top level, questions about his eventual retirement continue to follow him. At 37, Curry recently admitted that he knows the end is near, but he is not letting that thought take away from the present.
"No clue," Curry said. "I just know it's closer than it was even yesterday. Acknowledging it is fun, because the more I talk about it, the more I appreciate what all goes into preparing yourself. But all of that stuff is just the privilege that you've earned. I'm trying not to put any timestamps or anything, other than the sense of urgency on it now."
Steph Curry's quest for a fifth title will start on October 21, when the Warriors play their season opener against the LA Laker at the Crypto.com Arena.