The Golden State Warriors are enjoying an incredible run through the NBA playoffs and currently sit in their 6th NBA Finals in the last 8 years, looking for a fourth championship. The talisman through all those runs has been Stephen Curry, who has proven that he can still lead a championship-level squad without Kevin Durant.
Curry had one large deficiency in his game that everyone pointed at while talking about his skill-set and that was his below-average defense. Steph was neither bulky nor did he have a quick first step that allowed him to stay with fast guards while he was defending them.
However, 2022 Curry is more than a respectable defender. His defensive contributions through these playoffs have been notable and he spoke about how he improved that side of his game over the years.
"If you try hard good things will happen and you'll continue to get better."
Steph Curry on his improved defense and strength.#NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/LAsLmdtwkP
— NBA (@NBA) June 6, 2022
“It’s always been a point of emphasis in terms of winning basketball games and doing your job. Over the course of my career, it’s been a physical development that has happened over time. A lot of work has gone into that. At the end of the day, from my rookie year to now, it’s always been about effort. Overcoming physical limitations or matchups, if you try hard, good things will happen and you’ll continue to be better.”
Curry has put in a lot of work to get better at defense in his career. He has become bulkier without putting on too much weight on his arms to maintain his pure shooting form. In addition, Curry’s years of experience have improved his movement on defense as well.
The subtle improvements to his game have made Curry one of the most complete players in this league. While his defense isn’t as magnetic as his offense is, the days of Curry being ad defensive liability are in the rear-view mirror.
