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Stephen Curry stops interview to celebrate reporter calling him ‘two-way player’

Stephen Curry plays defense on Luka Doncic in Dallas Mavericks v Golden State Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense on Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game on February 27, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Stephen Curry is an underrated defender.

Which doesn’t sit well with him.

He’d rather be a properly rated defender, getting the credit he deserves for that end.

Curry has had a tough time shaking a reputation that took hold during those Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals, when LeBron James repeatedly targeted him. And yes, Curry was Golden State’s weak link defensively.

But that was relative to Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes/Kevin Durant. Hardly an indictment. And who was stopping LeBron, anyway?

In reality, Curry is a solid defender – smart and competitive. He has gotten physically stronger over the years, able to hold up in more matchups. He uses his quick hands to get steals. He finds holes to grab helpful rebounds.

Curry just wants recognition for it.

So, when Mark Haynes of ClutchPoints prefaced a question to Curry with “Being the two-way player that you are…,” Curry had quite the reaction.

NBC Sports Bay Area:

That’s so pure, so enjoyable.

With Jordan Poole and a post-injury version of Klay Thompson holding bigger roles, Golden State has needed Curry to defend even better this season. He has delivered with an increased commitment on that end.

Of course, Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson and the Mavericks will be a whole other challenge in the Western Conference finals.