In a heated playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, former Warriors player Matt Barnes expressed his desire to enter the fray, particularly against Dillon Brooks. After Golden State's Game 5 loss, Barnes highlighted the physicality of the matchup, particularly how the Rockets were intentionally targeting Steph Curry’s injured thumb. This tactic has raised eyebrows, but Barnes believes that the Warriors thrive in such competitive environments, especially with Draymond Green's aggressive playstyle.

Barnes noted that this physicality can benefit the Warriors by getting into the heads of opponents like Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks, suggesting that playing physical basketball can yield psychological advantages. With the stakes high, Barnes advocates for the Warriors to embrace this rough approach, especially as they navigate a challenging series.