Alex Caruso Breaks Down the Madness of Guarding Stephen Curry—and the Genius of LeBron James: "He's a Menace"

Time of India

16 hours ago

Alex Caruso
has built a reputation in the NBA as one of the most respected perimeter defenders in the game. Known for his relentless effort and sharp basketball mind, Caruso has spent years guarding elite players—including two of the league's most iconic figures:
Stephen Curry
and
LeBron James
.
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In recent appearances on podcasts and interviews, he gave fans a glimpse into the unique challenges of guarding both superstars, offering honest, thoughtful reflections shaped by years of high-level competition.
When Is Stephen Curry Most Dangerous? Alex Caruso Weighs In
Alex Caruso (Image via Nathaniel S. Butler/ Getty Images)
When it comes to
, Alex Caruso offers a perspective that even seasoned fans might overlook: 'People don't always get this, but he's actually most dangerous right after he gives the ball up.'
Key Observations from Caruso:
- Curry's Off-the-Ball Threat: Caruso explained that once Curry hands the ball off, the real trouble begins.
He doesn't stand still—instead, he launches into constant motion, running through screens, cutting sharply, and finding space for a quick catch-and-shoot three.
'He just runs in circles until you lose track, then nails a 30-footer. It's nearly impossible to guard.'
- The Warriors' Offensive System:
system amplifies Curry's strengths. Caruso pointed out the chemistry between Curry and Draymond Green, whose screens and handoffs keep defenders off balance.
'Their whole offense is built for him. You really can't take a single play off.'
- The Physical Toll: Defending Curry demands peak physical and mental endurance. Caruso jokingly admitted how drained he feels after chasing Curry and Klay Thompson all night.
'You come out of those games with no legs left.'
Alex Caruso's Respect for Stephen Curry
His admiration for Stephen Curry is clear: 'He's a menace… Whether it's on-ball or off-ball, you can't rest. He's that hard to guard.'
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And the numbers support it. At 37 years old, Curry wrapped up the 2024–25 season averaging 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, shooting nearly 40% from deep.
The Challenge of Guarding LeBron James
Having played both with and against
, Caruso offers a rare dual perspective on what it takes to guard the four-time MVP. LeBron himself has publicly praised Caruso, calling him one of his all-time favorite teammates.
Why LeBron Is Such a Tough Matchup
Alex Caruso on the Dan Patrick Show Full Interview | 07/11/25
- Elite Physical Tools: LeBron's mix of size, strength, and agility makes him a nightmare to contain.
Caruso, who's defended players across every position, says LeBron presents a uniquely difficult challenge.
- High Basketball IQ: Caruso likened facing LeBron to playing chess. His ability to anticipate and exploit weaknesses sets him apart.
'He's always thinking two moves ahead.'
- Relentless Effort: Even in his 21st season, LeBron's hustle is unmatched. Alex Caruso remembers watching him recover on defense, then sprint to contest a three from the opposite corner.
Those moments, he says, define LeBron's greatness.
What Caruso Learned from LeBron James
Alex Caruso credits much of his own development to playing alongside LeBron James. 'Watching them play was like watching chess. LeBron's support gave me confidence. Having someone like that believe in you really changes things.'
He explained that LeBron's encouragement helped him realize how valuable his defensive skills could be—how effort and awareness could actually influence NBA outcomes.
Inside the Mind of a Lockdown Defender
Alex Caruso's success as a defender doesn't just come from hustle—it's built on careful preparation and adaptability.
- Studying Opponents: He pays close attention to player tendencies and makes quick reads during games.
- Maximum Effort: Caruso's refusal to quit on plays is something even LeBron has applauded.
- Positional Versatility: Whether guarding sharpshooters like Curry or overpowering stars like LeBron, Caruso adapts his game to meet the challenge.
Alex Caruso's firsthand insights offer fans a deeper appreciation of the NBA's most unguardable talents. His breakdown of Stephen Curry's off-ball chaos and LeBron's all-around dominance reveals what it truly takes to defend greatness. Caruso may not always be in the spotlight, but his work ethic, intelligence, and determination have earned him a seat at the table with basketball's elite.
Also read:
In a league that glorifies scoring, Caruso's perspective reminds us: greatness also lies in the grit, the hustle, and the tiny, crucial battles that happen on every possession.