When it comes to elite NBA talent, few names strike more fear into defenders than Stephen Curry. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry’s blend of off-ball movement, range, and basketball IQ creates nightmares for defenders every night. And Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is the latest player to tip his cap to the two-time MVP.
In a recent interview, Suggs revealed that Curry is “without a doubt” one of the most difficult players he’s ever had to guard since entering the league. The third-year guard, known for his tough defense and physical play, didn’t hesitate when asked who stands out the most on the offensive end.
“Steph’s a different kind of problem,” Suggs said. “He never stops moving, and even when you think you’ve done everything right, he still finds a way to get his shot off. You can’t relax for even a second.”
Suggs’ admiration for Curry isn’t surprising. The Golden State Warriors star has revolutionized the game with his long-distance shooting and ability to create space in the smallest windows. But what often goes unappreciated is Curry’s relentless work off the ball—something that Suggs pointed to as the most difficult aspect of guarding him.
“Most guys, you guard the pick-and-roll or try to cut off the drive and that’s that,” Suggs explained. “But Steph is running through screens, cutting, relocating—it’s a constant sprint. It’s mentally and physically exhausting trying to stay attached to him.”
Suggs, who has built a reputation as one of the Magic’s toughest perimeter defenders, has had his share of matchups with high-scoring guards, from Damian Lillard to Kyrie Irving. But he says Curry is in a class of his own because of the way he disrupts even the best-laid defensive schemes.
“You have to be perfect, and even then, he’ll still make a shot from 30 feet,” Suggs said, laughing. “It’s crazy. He changes the geometry of the game. Your whole team’s spacing and rotations have to adjust when he’s out there.”
Despite the challenge, Suggs says facing players like Curry is what pushes him to get better.
“I love it, honestly,” Suggs said. “That’s how you grow—by going up against the best. I want to be known as a great defender in this league, and to do that, you’ve got to take on matchups like Steph. I know I’ve got a ways to go, but every time I play someone like him, I learn something new.”
For Suggs, defense has always been a point of pride. Even during his college days at Gonzaga, he was known for his two-way ability. Now, in the NBA, he’s leaning into that identity more than ever as part of a young and improving Orlando Magic squad.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley has frequently praised Suggs for his defensive energy and leadership on that end of the floor. And while the 22-year-old still has room to grow offensively, his intensity and willingness to take on top matchups make him a cornerstone of the team’s future.
“Jalen’s effort is contagious,” Mosley said earlier this season. “He embraces the toughest assignments and never backs down. That kind of mentality sets the tone for everyone else.”
For Suggs, guarding players like Stephen Curry is not just a challenge—it’s a benchmark. It’s a way to measure himself against the best, to see how far he’s come and where he still needs to go.
“Guys like Steph, they’re legends,” Suggs said. “You respect their greatness, but you also want to be the guy who can slow them down. That’s what I strive for every night.”
