Too Hot to Handle: Why Stephen Curry Called Out the Hornets’ “Not Real” Defense

You would think that after a 20-point blowout victory, everyone in the locker room would be all smiles. But if you know anything about the competitive fire of Stephen Curry, you know that winning isn’t always enough—he wants to play the game the right way.

On January 18, the Golden State Warriors dismantled the Charlotte Hornets 136-116. It was a solid team win, marking their third straight victory and signaling that the Dubs are finally finding their groove. But the headline wasn’t the score; it was Curry roasting the Hornets’ defensive strategy in the post-game presser. He called it “egregious” and “not real basketball.” So, what exactly happened to make the nicest guy in the NBA sound off like that?

When Defending Curry Becomes an Obsession

We all know Curry is the greatest shooter to ever touch a basketball. Defenses have to game plan for him. But what the Hornets did went beyond a game plan—it was practically a stalking charge.

From the opening tip, Charlotte decided that Curry wasn’t going to play basketball that night. They threw everything at him. We’re talking about defenders like Collin Sexton and rookie Sion James glued to his hip 94 feet from the basket. It didn’t matter if Curry had the ball or was standing 30 feet away from the play; there were two jerseys draped over him.

At one point, it got so ridiculous that Curry decided to run a little experiment. He just stood in the backcourt during an offensive possession, miles away from the action, just to see if the rookie would stay with him. Spoiler alert: He did.

While it’s flattering to demand that much attention, it’s also incredibly frustrating for a competitor. Curry finished with 14 points on just 12 shots. He was effectively taken out of the rhythm of the game, forced to watch his teammates play 4-on-3 while he played tag with defenders near the half-court line.

The Problem with “Gimmick” Defenses

This brings up a massive debate in basketball circles: Is this a smart strategy, or is it just a gimmick? Curry was pretty clear on his stance. “There’s a part of you that fights it just because it’s not real basketball,” he told reporters. And he has a point. When a team sacrifices their entire defensive integrity just to stop one guy, it turns the game into something weird. It’s ugly to watch, and frankly, it feels a bit desperate.

However, this isn’t new for Curry. He has faced box-and-ones, constant blitzes, and traps his entire career. He has a “gravitational pull” unlike anyone else in the league. Opposing coaches are so terrified of him raining down threes that they are willing to lose the game via layups from everyone else rather than let Curry catch fire.

But calling it “not real basketball” highlights the frustration of an artist not being allowed to paint. It turns a dynamic, flowing sport into a muddy, grinding halt.

Making the Defense Pay the Price

Here is the irony of the Hornets’ strategy: It backfired spectacularly. If you commit two guys to Curry, you are leaving someone else wide open. It’s simple math. And unfortunately for Charlotte, the Warriors’ supporting cast was ready to feast.

De’Anthony Melton was the biggest beneficiary of the “Stop Curry at all costs” tour. With the defense distracted, Melton poured in 24 points in just 21 minutes. Draymond Green, who usually looks to pass first, found himself with lanes to the rim wide enough to drive a truck through, finishing with 20 points.

Green didn’t mince words after the game either. “They were just kind of leaving us open,” he said. “They were using all five guys to take Steph out the game. We made them pay for playing gimmicky defense.” This is the danger of the “junk defense.” It bets on the idea that the superstars’ teammates can’t beat you. On this night, the Warriors proved they absolutely can.

What This Means for the Warriors Moving Forward

This game was actually a great sign for Golden State. Earlier in the season, this kind of defensive pressure on Curry might have resulted in a loss. The team was struggling to find consistent scoring from anyone not named Steph.

But things have changed. Since mid-December, the Warriors have gone 11-4. They are playing their best basketball since the opening weeks of the season. They are closing in on the No. 5 seed in the West, and the vibes are shifting. Even the trade rumors surrounding Jonathan Kuminga seem to be quieting down as the wins pile up.

This win proved that the Warriors aren’t a one-man show. If teams want to sell out to stop Curry, Golden State now has the depth and the confidence to punish them for it. The Warriors have home games coming up against the Heat and the Raptors. It’ll be interesting to see if those teams try to replicate Charlotte’s “egregious” strategy or if they’ll actually try to play straight-up basketball. Either way, Curry and his squad look ready for whatever comes next.

FAQ Section

Q: What happened in the Warriors vs. Hornets game?  

A: Golden State won 136-116, with Curry limited to 14 points due to aggressive defense.

Q: Who was involved in the defensive strategy?  

A: Hornets players Collin Sexton and rookie Sion James shadowed Curry throughout the game.

Q: Why is this news important?  

A: Curry’s remarks highlight how teams are willing to use unconventional defenses against him, sparking debate about basketball strategy.

Q: What are the next steps for the Warriors?  

A: They host the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors in back-to-back games, aiming to extend their winning streak.