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Stephen Curry’s defense has been a massive boost for Warriors

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 after he made a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on January 25, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 after he made a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on January 25, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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If you watched the Golden State Warriors defeat the Pacers last Wednesday night or even their win over the Hornets on Friday, the one player most often diving for loose balls was the two-time MVP, Stephen Curry.

He’s stepped his defensive up in a big way this season, and it’s one reason why the team has been able to see such sustained success. The superstar has seen many be critical of his defense over the past decade.

Yes, his offense is what matters the most when talking about how the team performs overall, but an engaged Curry on the defensive end is also very important.

While it may not be at career-high levels, Stephen Curry is playing some of the best defensive of his career, and Steve Kerr has taken note of it.

Curry is averaging 1.2 steals per game. He does, however, have a defensive rating that’s the same as the one in the 2018-2019 season which is impressive given he’s not playing alongside Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson this season.

Curry’s defensive win shares are set to be at their highest level since the 2016-2017 season. That said, even head coach Steve Kerr has started to take notice that the veteran is leading the way on that end of the court.

"“I think Steph’s defense this year has been totally overlooked because everyone has been locked in on his scoring and shooting. But his defense has been fantastic,” Kerr told NBC Sports’ Marcus White."

White also brought up another interesting point. Curry ranks third on the team in deflections.

He noted that that’s currently 22nd in the league for guards. Showing his activity, Curry’s been improving on the side of the court in which all that’s really needed is the desire to step up and be involved.

Kerr wasn’t the only one to praise Curry.

Second-year forward Eric Paschall also sounded off on how solid Curry has been. In playoff position, it’s been Curry that’s been putting on such a clinic that both the players and coaches in the locker room are starting to take note.

With Draymond Green the leader of the defense, the Warriors have elevated their play as a team. According to NBA.com, the Dubs have the league’s second-best defensive field goal percentage and the league’s fourth-best defensive rating.

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Up there with the Jazz and Lakers, the Warriors have won games solely based on their excellent defensive play, and while much of that starts with Green and Andrew Wiggins, Curry has been a huge reason for the team’s success on that end of the floor.

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