Stephen Curry’s picks his Top 3 Toughest Defenders to play against

Posted on by Prathy Dey

Stephen Curry’s picks his Top 3 Toughest Defenders to play against

Stephen Curry, the renowned Golden State Warriors point guard, is a formidable force on the court. His exceptional speed, court vision, and unparalleled shooting make him a challenging matchup for any opponent. However, there have been a few defenders who managed to give him a run for his money. In an interview, Curry revealed his top three toughest defenders: Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen, and Ron Artest. Additionally, when asked to pick the second-greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry named Ray Allen.

The Three Toughest Defenders

Stephen Curry singled out a trio of defenders who presented significant challenges during his career. Among them is Jrue Holiday, a five-time All-Defensive Team selection, who is highly regarded for his defensive prowess. Tony Allen, a six-time All-Defensive Team member, also earned Curry’s respect, with Kobe Bryant famously acknowledging Allen as the player who troubled him the most without seeking assistance from teammates.

Surprisingly, Curry included Ron Artest on his list, despite their careers not entirely overlapping. The 2003-04 Defensive Player of the Year made a lasting impression on Curry, particularly with his remarkably strong hands that could effortlessly knock the ball away.

Curry on Ray Allen, the Second-Greatest Shooter

Recognized as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry modestly removed himself from the discussion and named the second-greatest shooter: Ray Allen. During his career, Allen held the record for the most 3-pointers made, a distinction that Curry eventually surpassed in December 2021. While Curry’s dominance in long-range shooting is unparalleled, he acknowledged Allen’s remarkable form, dedication, and ability to make crucial shots throughout his career.

Stephen Curry’s Defensive Dominance

Despite facing tough defenders like Holiday, Allen, and Artest, Curry’s offensive brilliance prevails more often than not. His elusive moves and exceptional shooting accuracy continue to make him an offensive juggernaut and a nightmare for defenders across the league. Many opponents, including Lakers guard Austin Reaves, have attested to the immense difficulty of containing Curry on the court.

Holiday and Allen: Widely Respected Defenders

The inclusion of Jrue Holiday and Tony Allen on Curry’s list comes as no surprise. Both players were consistently recognized among the league’s top defenders during their careers. Holiday’s recent All-Defensive First Team selection in the 2022-23 season further validates his defensive excellence. Similarly, Allen’s defensive prowess earned him the utmost respect from Kobe Bryant, a testament to his impact on some of the game’s greatest players.

Artest’s Unforgettable Impact

Though Ron Artest’s prime didn’t entirely coincide with Curry’s rise, his defensive abilities left an indelible mark. Curry recalled Artest’s incredibly strong hands, which made it exceptionally difficult to maintain control of the ball when playing against him. Despite facing Artest in only a few games, Curry’s memories of his defensive prowess have endured.

Curry’s Ever-Growing Legacy

As the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry’s legacy continues to expand. Breaking records, revolutionizing the game with his 3-point shooting, and leading the Golden State Warriors to multiple championships have solidified his place among basketball’s legends. With a high level of performance and an unwavering competitive spirit, Curry’s impact on the sport remains profound and enduring.