Guarding Stephen Curry remains one of the most daunting tasks for NBA defenders, and even seasoned coaches describe it as a nightmare. In a recent appearance on Club 520, former NBA guard Jeff Teague weighed in on the perpetual duel between Curry and Kyrie Irving, saying Curry is tougher to contain than Irving despite Kyrie’s renowned ball-handling mastery.
“I mean, they’re both tough covers, but I would rather guard Kyrie… At least you know where Kyrie is going to be. Like you’re going to catch him right on that pass or wherever he’s going to be and iso you,” Teague said. “You look one way, Steph is taking off the other. You’ve got to catch up. He just causes too much havoc with how much he moves.”
Teague wasn’t issuing a dig at Irving; he acknowledged Irving’s own elite defensive challenge. But Curry’s relentless movement and off-ball action have long been the defining headaches for defenders across the league.
The conversation comes amid a broader narrative about Curry’s impact in recent years. Teams such as Houston have attempted to exploit any visible vulnerability—like Curry’s injured thumb—during the 2025 playoffs in an effort to slow him down. Even with those tactical gambits, Curry posted strong numbers, averaging 24.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, even when some games saw him playing at less than his full strength.
Stories of the grind facing Curry’s defenders are almost legendary. J.R. Smith, reflecting on the 2015 NBA Finals, recalled Matthew Dellavedova’s experience guarding Curry: “Delly almost died guarding Steph Curry. No, literally almost died.” The anecdotes underscore how physically and mentally demanding it is to track Curry’s movement and pace over a full series.
On the court, Curry and Irving have faced each other 36 times across regular-season and playoff games. In those meetings, Curry has averaged 24.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Irving has averaged 25.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Head-to-head results tilt toward Curry: he leads 12-11 in the regular season and 8-5 in the playoffs, giving Curry a 20-16 edge in their overall rivalry.
The recurring theme here is Curry’s unique ability to destabilize defenses with constant movement, quick decision-making, and elite shooting gravity. Irving, with his own elite ball skills, remains one of the few stars who can match him in creating and converting looks under pressure. The ongoing debate between fans and players alike emphasizes not just individual talent, but the evolving defensive schemes teams employ to limit Curry’s impact.
Additional context and value for readers:
– What to watch next: As teams continue to tailor schemes around Curry’s off-ball movement and screen actions, look for adjustments in how defenses hedge against ball screens and how wing players chase Curry through multiple pin-downs and staggered screens.
– Impact on teammates: Curry’s gravity opens opportunities for teammates who can move without the ball, making efficient ball movement and smart spacing crucial for Golden State and any opponent that faces him.
– Positive takeaway: For fans, the Curry vs. Irving dynamic showcases two of the league’s most creative scorers and playmakers, keeping high-level guard play at the center of early-season and late-season storylines.
In short, the Curry-Irving dialogue reflects a broader truth about modern basketball: guarding the game’s most dynamic guards demands relentless energy, precise discipline, and adaptive strategy, and it’s precisely this challenge that continues to draw intrigue from players and fans alike.