The injury status of Chris Paul is perhaps the most significant looming story surrounding the Western Conference Finals. If the future Hall of Fame point guard is unable to play, the Houston Rockets could be fighting an uphill battle (despite a 3-2 lead) against the Golden State Warriors. Still, if Paul can’t return for Game 6 and a potential Game 7, he certainly left his mark on the series in Game 5.
Paul was utterly tremendous in the second half, helping to key Houston to an important win and, at the height of his post-halftime spurt, he focused his attention on Stephen Curry. In short, Paul delivered a ridiculous, contested three-pointer with Curry defending him and after it fell through the net, Paul broke out a patented Curry celebration.
.@CP3 brought out the Shimmy on Steph! 👀#NBAPlayoffs | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/jyiLeAQGG5
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 25, 2018
In the moment, the decision to celebrate (and taunt) in that fashion drew quite a bit of attention and, given that Houston was able to emerge victorious, it became something of a signature highlight for the Rockets in Game 5. After the game, Curry was prompted about what transpired. To his credit, he was understanding.
Steph: "If you can shimmy on somebody else you gotta be alright with getting shimmied on" pic.twitter.com/tChtNyu9hf
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 25, 2018
Curry isn’t shy about celebrating, much in the way that the entire Warriors team has been for the majority of their current run. Still, it is wise for him to answer a question in this fashion, especially after a loss and in dealing with a player on the level of Paul.
Undoubtedly, there are folks who would not enjoy Paul’s decision to mock Curry in this way, even outside of Warriors fandom. It does appear, though, that both players understand the deal and Curry was forced to express a bit of humility in the wake of a big loss.
