Stephen Curry reveals three toughest defenders he's faced

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21). Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry reveals three toughest NBA defenders he's faced

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Jennifer Withers Hoey | Last updated 7/31/23

Stephen Curry is one of the greatest NBA players of all time and the best shooter to ever pick up a basketball. Stopping him, in any capacity, is a tall order.

Four championship rings would seemingly confirm that even slowing Curry down is difficult, but some have still done it.

This week, Curry appeared on the "Today Show" and broke down the three toughest defenders he has faced in the NBA.

“There’s a group of 3 that always a light bulb went off when they’re on the court. Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen and Ron Artest.”

Stephen Curry on the toughest defenders he’s played against.

(via @TODAYshow)pic.twitter.com/b0LsMrDhlH

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, 2023

Holiday’s inclusion on the list is unsurprising. Many of the league’s top superstars regard him as one of the best defenders in the NBA today. His ability to lock up guards, in particular, is a matter of public record.

Allen being on the list is similarly understandable. The Warriors faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies a lot at one point. During those matchups, Curry learned the hard way why Kobe Bryant once described Allen as one of – if not the – toughest defenders he ever faced.

If any name is a bit surprising it’s Artest — not because he wasn’t an incredible defender, but by the time he and Curry faced off, he wasn’t necessarily the same player who terrified opposing offenses for most of his career.

Whether he is offering his blunt take on the Warriors trading Jordan Poole or giving his thoughts on Chris Paul not wanting to come off the bench for Golden State, Curry always keeps it real.

This was just the latest example of that.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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