On Thursday the final juncture of the NBA season begins, and the Golden State Warriors have a desire to end on a good note. They have the second-best record in the NBA, but if they want to stay there, it's one thing they need to start doing better, and Stephen Curry believes he understands what that thing is.

“It's probably defensively,” Curry told ClutchPoints. “I know it includes a lot of different elements, rebounding, and making things uncomfortable for opponents, our one-on-one defense, and stuff like that. If we get back to the level of defense that we're used to not just the numbers but the energy, the attention to detail, and the competitiveness on that side, then I feel we will be in really good shape.”

For most of the season, the Warriors have had the best defense in the NBA. They still have the No. 1 defensive rating in the league, but in the last seven games, they haven't played good basketball on that end of the floor. It's partly because of players like Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala being out of the lineup, but also, because of effort.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum.
Bucks rumors: Will Milwaukee pursue trade for Andrew Wiggins?Julian Ojeda ·
Siegel's Scoop with Jonathan Kuminga, Myles Turner, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Anfernee Simons
Siegel’s Scoop: Latest Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga, NBA free agency intelBrett Siegel ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center.
Warriors make $7.9 million Jonathan Kuminga qualifying offerJaren Kawada ·
Mike Dunleavy Jr with a thought bubble over his head. In the thought bubble: draft picks Will Richard and Alex Toohey
Warriors’ Mike Dunleavy Jr. lays out honest 2025 outlook for rookiesKenzo Fukuda ·
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Jonathan Kumina with "looking" emoji's around them and a big question mark in between them.
Warriors’ Mike Dunleavy Jr. adds to Jonathan Kuminga free-agency mysteryKenzo Fukuda ·
Cooper Flagg before the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks fit draws ‘lucky’ Draymond Green admissionZachary Draves ·

*Catch the latest episode of the Warriors' Multiverse*

When the Warriors are playing at a high level on both ends they are really tough to beat. That's why they must get back to defending at an elite level again. Curry and his troops have aspirations of winning a championship and that won't be possible if they can't stop teams from scoring.

It's 23 games left in the season, so it's crunch time. It's time for the Warriors to put it all together and start playing the best basketball they've played this year.