Marcus Smart has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier defenders, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 and multiple All-Defensive First Team selections. Yet even at his peak, there has been one opponent who consistently proved to be his toughest challenge, Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry.
Marcus Smart admitted that Steph Curry stands apart from other elite scorers such as Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey. “Just because of the way he affects the game. He can score on every level on the court,” Smart said. “And some levels that we didn’t even know existed.”
Curry’s shooting is the first thing defenses prepare for, but Smart emphasized that his finishing ability is often overlooked. Statistics show Steph Curry converts 65.3 percent of his attempts within three feet of the basket, ranking among the league’s best guards. That efficiency forces defenders to choose between guarding the perimeter or protecting the rim, often leaving teammates exposed.
“He definitely poses a challenge that most teams don’t,” Marcus Smart explained. “He spaces the floor, he makes his teammates better, and he makes the right play every single time. And if you’re not ready, and you don’t got your matchups ready, it’s going to be trouble for you. When you’ve got a player like that, it takes a whole team effort.”
Conditioning is another factor Smart highlighted. Advanced metrics show Steph Curry runs an average of 2.5 miles per game, constantly moving through screens and off-ball actions. Defenders must be in peak shape to keep pace.
“It’s crazy, you know. You really got to get your rest, you got to be well-conditioned, because he’s going to make you pay if you’re not,” Smart remarked. “And we all see what he can do, and if you’re not ready for it, he’ll chew you up and spit you out.”
Marcus Smart’s words carry importance given his firsthand experience in the 2022 NBA Finals. With Boston leading the series 2-1, Steph Curry erupted for 43 points in Game 4, shooting 14-of-26 to swing momentum back to Golden State. He followed that with 34 points in Game 6, clinching the championship on Boston’s home floor.
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