During tonight’s matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers, it wasn’t Stephen Curry’s signature long-range shooting or flashy handle that caught attention. Instead, NBC commentators focused on his defense: a part of Curry’s game that has rarely been front-page material for most of his career. The moment came as Curry stripped the ball from the hands of Clippers star James Harden, earning immediate praise from the broadcast.
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Former player Grant Hill, who played against Steph late in his career, said, “Steph was a liability. People would pick on him on defense.” He said, pointing to the steal, “Right there, takes the challenge and gets the cookies on defense. And I think him getting stronger physically, but also taking more pride on that end. You’ve seen that improvement in those defensive isolations.”
Postgame, Curry admitted, “It was a defensive effort.. a great defensive performance.” The rejuvenated Warriors proved, despite their age, they’re still elite on both sides of the court.
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Coming from Hill, who has worked closely with Curry for the Paris Olympics as a part of USA Basketball, this shows the respect from a decorated veteran.
Hill’s co-commentator Terry Gannon quickly added, “But he has gotten stronger as well. There’s no doubt about it,” before Hill nodded in agreement. The exchange was telling: it was a recognition of the physical transformation Curry has undertaken over the last few years.
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This is a developing story.
