In the beginning of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season, it seemed as though there was going to be nothing that could stop the reigning MVP, Stephen Curry.
As Curry and his Golden State Warriors took the season by storm, it seemed as though there was no opponent in their way to slow their momentum. With an insane winning percentage, the Warriors seemed to be well on their way to a 70-win season.
What people didn’t expect, although I sure did, is that Curry is not invincible.
Curry has struggled immensely this past week, and it is not due to his teammates. Curry is known for his immaculate three-pointer which he so effortlessly drains ever game.
However, Curry has shown quite a lot of frustration as he has struggled to drain his signature shot.
What’s the difference between this past week and previous weeks? Defense.
Curry started his struggles this past week as the Warriors took on the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio. The Spurs have been perfect at home this season, and they were showing no signs of letting that record go.
As the two best teams in the league right now started off the game, it was clear that the Spurs were not going to let Curry have it easy. Gregg Popovich had a visible plan going into the game: shut Curry down.
Curry had a Spur defender on him at all times. No matter how many picks or switches their were, there was always a defender in his face, not allowing an easy shot.
Curry started out the game 1-14 with no threes. It wasn’t until the third quarter of the game that he finally put up a three.
He showed obvious frustration as he hung his head on the court and was constantly arguing with the referees.
Curry might be a phenomenal shooter, but he cracks under pressure. Soon enough, all teams will catch on to Pop’s defensive tactics.
Curry is good, but he is not good enough to withstand 48 minutes of in-your-face defense. I’m interested to see how the rest of the league adjusts to Curry’s lapse in shooting. It’s true, defense will always win the game.
