Stephen Curry is an unstoppable point guard but only 10 players can best guard him right now.

Even if the NBA has had a ton of elite scorers over the past decade, there’s one constant that remains true: Stephen Curry is a scoring machine. The Golden State Warriors sharpshooter has redefined the game with his unparalleled shooting s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, making him one of the most challenging players to defend. This past season, Curry averaged 29.4 points per game on 42.7% shooting from deep. That begs the question: which players can defend Stephen Curry the best right now?

There are a select few who have demonstrated the ability to stifle Curry’s scoring prowess. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 NBA players who, as of the current season, possess the tools and tactics necessary to best guard the “Chef” himself, Stephen Curry. More recently, Curry actually named the toughest defenders he has come up against in his career and it sparks the conversation of who can actually defend the point guard right now.

We have already seen the only players who can handle LeBron James right now, so now it is time to focus on the best point guard in the world. Here are the 10 NBA players who can play the best defense on Curry heading into the 2023-24 season.

10. Matisse Thybulle

2022-23 Statistics: 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.5 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Matisse Thybulle: 30.7 PPG, 6.7 APG, 45.3% FG, 45.2% 3-PT FG

One of the more underrated defenders in the league, Matisse Thybulle possesses exceptional lateral quickness and agility, allowing him to stay in front of even the quickest ball handlers in the league. Standing at 6’5″ with a wingspan of over 7 feet, Thybulle’s remarkable length is a significant asset when guarding Curry.

He can contest Curry’s three-point attempts effectively and disrupt passing lanes. Thybulle is known for his defensive discipline. He doesn’t often gamble for steals or reach unnecessarily, which is crucial when guarding a player as crafty as Curry. Even if Steph’s numbers look great against him, Thybulle is a solid player to place on the point guard next season.

9. Dillon Brooks

2022-23 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.4 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Dillon Brooks: 30.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, 46.5% FG, 44.7% 3-PT FG

Dillon Brooks seems to believe that he is the greatest perimeter defender right now, and he certainly held his own in the 2023 FIBA Tournament. While Dillon Brooks may not be as heralded as some other defenders in the NBA, he possesses several qualities that make him a formidable defender against players like Stephen Curry.

Brooks is known for his physical style of play. When defending a player like Curry, who relies on quickness and finesse, Brooks’ physicality can disrupt Curry’s rhythm. Guarding a player of Curry’s caliber requires constant effort because he never stops moving. Brooks’ conditioning allows him to maintain defensive intensity throughout the game, reducing the chances of defensive lapses that Curry often exploits. Even if he is often ridiculed, Brooks is an elite defender who made the All-NBA Defensive Second Team last year.

8. Avery Bradley

2021-22 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 0.9 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Avery Bradley: 26.2 PPG, 5.8 APG, 46.3% FG, 37.6% 3-PT FG

Bradley’s on-ball defense is exceptional. He possesses quick hands and feet, which are crucial when guarding a player like Curry known for his dribbling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and quick release. Bradley can stay in front of Curry, contest his shots effectively, and make it challenging for Curry to create open looks.

Not to mention, Bradley’s defensive footwork is top-notch. He can mirror Curry’s movements and maintain a defensive stance that allows him to react quickly to changes in direction or pace. Even if he is currently a free agent, Bradley’s experience as a defensive specialist gives him a mental edge. He has faced elite scorers throughout his career and knows how to adapt his defensive strategy to different opponents and that could be useful against an elite scorer like Steph.

7. Jaden McDaniels

2022-23 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.4 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Jaden McDaniels: 28.3 PPG, 5.9 APG, 42.6% FG, 40.0% 3-PT FG

One of the youngest players in the NBA with elite defensive s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, Jaden McDaniels has shown good lateral quickness and agility, which are essential when defending a player known for his quick crossovers and change of direction moves like Curry. He has the potential to stay in front of Curry and contest his shots effectively thanks to his 6’9” frame.

Due to his athleticism, McDaniels has the potential to guard multiple positions on the floor due to his combination of size and mobility. This versatility can be valuable when defending Curry, who often moves off the ball and runs through screens to get open. If it means running through countless screens or bodying up, McDaniels has everything it takes to defend the elite point guard.

6. Dennis Schroder

2022-23 Statistics: 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 1.5 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Dennis Schroder: 25.8 PPG, 6.5 APG, 45.0% FG, 37.3% 3-PT FG

One of the ways to try to contain Stephen Curry is to match him with speed. Dennis Schroder’s quickness and agility enable him to stay in front of his man and navigate through screens effectively. When guarding Curry, who relies on rapid changes of direction and acceleration, Schroder’s agility is a valuable asset.

The former Lakers point guard is also excellent with ball pressure and has active hands, making it difficult for Curry to get comfortable and set up his shots. He can disrupt Curry’s dribbling rhythm and passing lanes and is particularly quick in his closeouts, challenging shots effectively. Contesting three-pointers is crucial when defending Curry, and Schroder is one of the best at the point guard spot.

5. Davion Mitchell

2022-23 Statistics: 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 0.8 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Davion Mitchell: 31.9 PPG, 5.5 APG, 51.2% FG, 40.8% 3-PT FG

More so than most players on this list, Davion Mitchell is a defense-first guy who is literally obsessed with guarding the best guards in the game. He is known for his tenacious on-ball defense by hounding ball handlers, applying relentless ball pressure, and using his quick hands to disrupt dribbling and passing lanes.

This kind of on-ball pressure is essential when guarding a player like Curry, who excels in one-on-one situations. We saw how the Sacramento Kings placed Mitchell on Curry throughout the first round of the 2023 Playoffs, and even if the Warriors went on to win, it did take 7 games before Steph could close the inexperienced side out. Mitchell’s defense had a large part to do with that.

4. Jarred Vanderbilt

2022-23 Statistics: 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.5 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Jarred Vanderbilt: 26.9 PPG, 6.2 APG, 44.9% FG, 39.4% 3-PT FG

Even when he is one of the best players to defend larger players, Jarred Vanderbilt can also take on the challenge of guarding smaller guards with incredible speed and agility. Vanderbilt possesses excellent length and athleticism for his position. His long wingspan and agility allow him to challenge shots effectively and recover quickly on defense.

At 6’9” and 214 lbs, the forward has the strength, athleticism, and speed to handle any elite player across the court from him. The former No. 41 overall pick realized his way to earn minutes is to play elite defense which is why he will likely be placed on Curry whenever the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors next season.

3. Jrue Holiday

2022-23 Statistics: 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.8 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Avery Bradley: 27.3 PPG, 6.6 APG, 48.6% FG, 43.0% 3-PT FG

Jrue Holiday is widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the NBA, and his ability to defend elite guards like Stephen Curry is a testament to his defensive prowess. Holiday has made five All-Defensive Team selections over his career and combines a mix of size (6’3”, 205 lbs) with quickness and athleticism.

Curry made it clear that Holiday is one of the best defenders he has ever played against, even if his numbers don’t quite prove that. Steph can go off against any defender so that isn’t a knock on Holiday at all, because the current Milwaukee Bucks star can take on any challenge given to him. We will very likely see Holiday handle Curry whenever the Bucks and Warriors go to battle.

2. OG Anunoby

2022-23 Statistics: 1.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.9 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. OG Anunoby: 22.2 PPG, 6.8 APG, 40.2% FG, 28.6% 3-PT FG

OG Anunoby possesses excellent physical attributes for a perimeter defender. Standing at 6’7″ with a wingspan of around 7 feet, he has the length and reach to contest shots effectively, including Curry’s three-point attempts. He can also mirror Curry’s movements, anticipate changes of direction, and recover quickly on defense.

Anunoby can handle most of the best players in the NBA on defense, and even when he can guard LeBron James, he can defend Stephen Curry as well. It is rare that a 6’7” swingman can handle smaller players who rely on speed and shooting, but Anunoby isn’t any ordinary defender who will make great strides to compete for the Defensive Player of the Year award going forward.

1. Alex Caruso

2022-23 Statistics: 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.6 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)

Stephen Curry Stats Vs. Alex Caruso: 19.9 PPG, 6.9 APG, 41.4% FG, 32.9% 3-PT FG

A member of the 2023 All-Defensive First Team, Alex Caruso might be the best defensive point guard in the NBA. While he may not be as widely recognized as some other players, Caruso is literally a stopper when he defends the ball. That is not to say that he can “stop” Curry, because that isn’t possible, but he can do a job better than most.

Just look at the stats. Caruso has managed to keep Curry under 20 points per game throughout their meetings against each other and the Warriors star’s three-point percentage is also surprisingly low. The 6’4” point guard combines strength, patience, and incredible foot movement to stick to ball-handlers and will be willing to chase Steph all game long. No doubt, Caruso is the best possible player to defend Curry next season.