Stephen Curry is no stranger to playing as a defending champion. He is well aware of the target on the Warriors' back. Steph discussed the mindset of opponents when facing Golden State following the recent Dubs' loss to the Phoenix Suns, per NBA Interviews on YouTube.

“Teams will try to come at you,” Curry said. “Especially on the road. Get the crowd into it, emotions running high…we gotta have that competitive nature, but stay composed as much as possible.”

Klay Thompson and Devin Booker got chippy with one another during the game. However, it was Booker who kept his composure and Thompson was ultimately ejected. Stephen Curry understands that opposing teams, especially good ones like the Suns, are going to give the Warriors all that they can handle. As a result, Golden State needs to maintain their composure like Curry stated.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) plays defense in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s lab work caught on video ahead of free agencyJackson Stone ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center with Draymond Green and Thunder's Chet Holmgren in the background
Warriors’ Draymond Green drops Alex Caruso over Chet Holmgren NBA Finals takeJosue Pavon ·
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr talks to guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the second half.
Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski hilariously shoots down Steve Kerr comparisonsJosh Davis ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
How Don Nelson will ‘protest’ Luka Doncic trade at award ceremonyMalik Brown ·
Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena
Former Warrior Nick Young admits ‘confusion’ on JR Smith ruining LeBron James’ NBA Finals masterpieceJosue Pavon ·
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Warriors’ Draymond Green reveals Kevin Durant trade was ‘at finish line’Troy Finnegan ·

Booker has enjoyed a superb start to the 2022-2023 campaign. Phoenix moved to 3-1 with the win while the Warriors fell to 2-2. The Warriors have struggled on the defensive end, surrendering far too many points. Stephen Curry and the Golden State offense are obviously capable of getting the job done, but they need better defensive effort moving forward.

Teams tend to play with higher energy on offense when playing Golden State due to their defending champion status. Its something that has been occurring over the past 8 years as the Dubs have built their dynasty.

In the end, Stephen Curry and the team are more than prepared to play with a target on their backs. They should be able to bounce back quickly.