3645 likes, 63 comments – houseofhighlights on May 31, 2025: "Indiana giving Jalen Brunson the Steph Curry treatment in Game 6 ".
Decoding the “Steph Curry Treatment”: An NBA Strategy Deep Dive with Analyst Mark Davies
Time.news: Welcome, Mark, thanks for lending your expertise.A recent post on houseofhighlights showed Indiana giving jalen Brunson the “Steph Curry treatment” in Game 6. For our readers who aren’t glued to every game, what exactly is the “steph curry treatment” in basketball?
Mark davies: Thanks for having me. The “Steph Curry treatment,” in essence, means deploying various defensive strategies specifically designed to limit a player’s impact. It often involves aggressive traps, hard hedging on screens, and constant double-teaming, starting sometimes even before they get the ball in their hands. The goal is to force the ball out of their hands, disrupt their rhythm, and make them uncomfortable. Think of it as a high-pressure, almost suffocating defensive game plan.
Time.news: So,why is it called the “Steph Curry treatment?” he’s not the only star player in the NBA.
Mark Davies: Steph Curry revolutionized offensive basketball with his unparalleled shooting range and off-ball movement.Teams had to develop unique and frequently enough extreme strategies to contain him. The name became synonymous with that level of defensive focus and pressure. It’s a sign of respect, honestly. It signals: “You’re so hazardous, we need to change everything we do to slow you down.”
Time.news: In this specific instance,Indiana applying it to Jalen Brunson,what does it tell us about brunson’s current status in the league?
Mark Davies: It’s a massive compliment to Brunson. He’s clearly elevated his game to a level where opponents view him as a primary scoring threat that needs to be neutralized at all costs. He’s earned their respect. JR Smith rubbing his championship rings on Jalen Brunson’s shoulder is proof of that [[1]].It also speaks volumes about his performance this season. When a team is willing to fully alter its defensive schemes to focus solely on you, you’re doing something right.
Time.news: What are some specific strategies Indiana might have used to execute the “Steph Curry treatment” on Brunson?
Mark Davies: we’d likely see a few things. First, constant ball pressure – pick-and-roll coverages designed to funnel him away from his preferred spots, making him give upthe ball. Second, perhaps denying him the ball at all costs, face guarding, and making it tough for his teammates to even get the ball to him. Third, perhaps fronting him in the post and sending help from the weak side when he does receive the ball to disrupt his post game. Fourth, pre-rotating defenders into his path, cutting off his driving lanes before he’s even made a move. It’s about disrupting his decision-making process.
Time.news: What counters can a player like Brunson employ against such a strategy?
Mark Davies: The key is trusting his teammates. The “Steph Curry treatment” often leaves other players open. Brunson needs to make swift,decisive passes to the open man and trust that they will make the right play. Off-ball movement becomes crucial as well; he needs to find ways to free himself from the constant attention. Plus,exploiting mismatches created by the defensive focus on him. He also mentioned struggling against Ausar Thompson who guarded him [[2]],so taking a leaf out of his book is not a bad move.
Time.news: Mark, it’s been incredibly insightful. Thanks for shedding light on the “Steph Curry treatment” and its implications in the modern NBA.
Mark davies: My pleasure. Thanks for having me.
