Few defenders in NBA history have faced the daunting task of chasing Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson at their peak. Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert recently opened up about what it was really like to guard the Golden State Warriors’ “Splash Brothers,” and his words paint a vivid picture of just how terrifying the assignment could be.
Speaking on the All-In podcast, Shumpert explained that the Cavaliers’ physical approach to defending Curry and Thompson wasn’t about intimidation, it was survival.
“People thought we was punking ’em,” Shumpert said. “No, it was a real strategy. You can find plays of Klay grabbing my face like get off me. I blew my other assignments because I’m NOT letting ’em get a shot off. The danger I felt if I lost them was like no one else.”
Speaking on the All-In podcast, Shumpert explained that the Cavaliers’ physical approach to defending Curry and Thompson wasn’t about intimidation, it was survival. pic.twitter.com/5OKtLzwelN
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That sense of danger came from the Warriors’ unique style of play. Unlike most scorers who rely on isolation, Curry and Thompson thrived off relentless off-ball movement, screens, and lightning-quick releases. Shumpert described the constant physical contact, elbows, hands on backs, and face-grabs, as part of the exhausting chess match required to deny them even a sliver of daylight.
The Cavaliers, of course, faced the Warriors in four straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018. While Golden State won three of those matchups, Cleveland’s lone triumph in 2016 remains one of the most iconic comebacks in league history. Shumpert’s defensive intensity, alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving’s heroics, played a crucial role in slowing down the Splash Brothers just enough to swing the series.
What stands out in Shumpert’s recollection is the respect embedded in his words. He wasn’t just describing a defensive assignment, he was describing a survival mission against two of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen.
“The danger I felt if I lost them was like no one else,” he admitted, underscoring the unique pressure Curry and Thompson placed on defenders.
In hindsight, Shumpert’s comments highlight why the Warriors’ dynasty was so revolutionary. They didn’t just beat teams with talent; they forced opponents into a state of constant anxiety, knowing that one lapse in focus could mean three points on the board. For Shumpert, that meant sacrificing other defensive responsibilities just to stay glued to Curry and Thompson.
