In the recent NBA matchup on October 21, 2025, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a 119-109 victory. However, the game also featured a contentious moment involving star guard Stephen Curry. As the second quarter approached its end, Curry was involved in a physical altercation with Lakers player Marcus Smart.
The incident occurred with about 5:36 remaining in the half when Curry was defending Smart, who had just passed to Luka Doncic. As Smart attempted to make a move on the court, he collided with Curry, leading to a clash where Smart hooked Curry’s right arm and twisted it. The force of the encounter sent Curry to the floor, prompting officials to review the play.
After the review, the referees assessed the situation as a Flagrant 1 foul against Smart, which meant he was not ejected. However, the Warriors were awarded two free throws and retained possession of the ball, giving them an advantage in the game.
Warriors fans are understandably wary of Smart, as he has previously injured Curry. In a notable incident in 2022, Smart dove for a loose ball and collided with Curry’s legs, resulting in a severe sprained ligament that sidelined Curry for the final 12 games of the regular season. Back then, head coach Steve Kerr expressed his frustration, labeling Smart’s action a “dangerous play.”
Fortunately, after the recent foul, there were no apparent repercussions for Curry, as he continued to play without issues, which likely contributed to a more positive environment post-game in contrast to previous encounters. Given the Warriors’ victory, it appears that they approached this physical rivalry with resilience, maintaining their focus and composure on the court.