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.<\/p>
Marcus Smart admitted that Steph Curry stands apart from other elite scorers such as Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey<\/a>. “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.”<\/p> 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.<\/p>