Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry proved once again why he is one of the most difficult players to guard in the NBA, as he educated Detroit Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson on the challenges of defending him. In the Warriors’ 120-109 victory over the Pistons, Curry finished with a game-high 34 points, showcasing his signature movement without the ball and deadly accuracy from behind the 3-point line.
Thompson, the 2023 No. 5 overall draft pick, faced Curry for the first time, and the 20-year-old came away with a newfound appreciation for the difficulty of defending the two-time NBA MVP. After the game, Thompson described the experience, saying, “People always say it’s the movement, but he really tries to lull you to sleep. He walks the sideline, looks at the bench, and then you have to run through two screens and it’s like, ‘what just happened?’”
The game saw several instances where Curry outmaneuvered Thompson, including a transition layup in the first quarter and a go-ahead 3-pointer in the third quarter. Even in moments where Thompson attempted to offer help defense, Curry’s quickness and craftiness allowed him to score at will.
According to NBA.com’s tracking data, Curry ran a Warriors-high 2.37 miles in just over 32 minutes of game action, while Thompson covered an astonishing game-high 2.95 miles in over 37 minutes of play. Thompson also contributed on the offensive end, scoring 16 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and recording four steals against the Warriors.
Thompson will have another chance to defend Curry when the Pistons visit the Warriors on Friday, January 5. This matchup will undoubtedly provide valuable experience for the young rookie as he continues to develop in the NBA.
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