Warriors’ Steve Kerr impressed by Matisse Thybulle’s defense on Stephen Curry
The Philadelphia 76ers handed the Golden State Warriors their fifth loss of the season on Saturday night. It was a rough game for Golden State as their bench struggled to get much traction, being outscored by Philly’s second unit.
While that was important, the clear matchup that had all the eyes was Matisse Thybulle guarding Stephen Curry. Drafted into the league as a 3-and-D specialist, Thybulle has ascended the ranks as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.
Matisse Thybulle’s main goal was to disrupt Stephen Curry, and the Warriors guard struggled. Steve Kerr gave credit where credit was due postgame.
Thybulle has arguably his best game of the season, and while Joel Embiid helped them defensively, it was Thybulle that locked up the league’s frontrunner for MVP. Curry went 6-for-20 from the field and ended 3-for-14 from deep.
On top of that, he totaled 3 turnovers and also managed just 4 free throws. It was a tremendous effort from the second year forward. Thybulle’s main assignment was to take Curry out of the game and chasing him around screens did just that.
Thybulle was so impressive that head coach Steve Kerr gave him a nice little shoutout following the game, not just blaming a Curry off night on the inconsistencies that basketball brings, but giving Thybulle major props for his efforts.
Steve Kerr on @MatisseThybulle guarding Steph Curry tonight:
— Lauren Rosen (@LaurenMRosen) December 12, 2021
"He harassed [Steph] really well.. I give Thybulle credit. He was fantastic defensively. He's a rare combination of length and athleticism and brains. He did as good a job on Steph as anybody I've seen in a long time."
Not many players can do a good job on Steph, one reason the two-time MVP is just games away from breaking the all-time 3-point record.
Throughout his career, it takes someone special to throw him off his game. Thybulle is that guy, and with a season 33.9% defensive field goal rate, Thybulle isn’t just doing it to Curry. He’s been a staple of their game plan every night out.
Thybulle, given his rare mix of an elite wingspan with great instincts and lateral quickness, was able to do just that. What makes the forward’s performance even better is that he ended with two triples as well.
This season, in particular, Thybulle has erupted as a capable offensive weapon as well. With that in mind, fully expect that, the next time these two teams meet, Kerr is able to free up Curry from the clamps of the dominant defender.
Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark
With that in mind, do not expect Curry to stay down for long as the record is in sight and should be passed in the near future.