Stephen Curry had the worst game of his prime career on Thursday after scoring just 2 points with no field goal in Golden State Warriors’ 51-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. How did it happen? Rookie Jaylen Wells should feel free to brag about his role in it.
The 2024 39th overall pick was tasked to guard the All-Time 3-point leader as a starter and he made a good account of himself by not allowing the two-time MVP to convert any field goal in 25 minutes.
Wells was all smiles after the game while talking about his accomplishment.
“It was a good night. I did my job. And it felt like that helps for winning so it definitely feels good. It’s a great team win,” he told reporters after the game.
It was a hard thing to do to keep a volume shooter like Curry to just seven attempts. How did he do it?
Wells seems to have done a great deal on his homework.
Just don’t let him touch the ball. He’s good at lulling you to sleep, making things out of a play. And then all of a sudden he is going. So, staying engaged, staying low for me who is so tall and guarding a short person. Just staying in the lowest stance all the time because they are already lower than me.
Aside from his defense, Wells also contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds in the game.
Santi Aldama, who was calling him Rookie of the Year during the interview, topscored for them from the bench with 21 points.
Jaylen Wells’ ‘back at you’ moment for college coach
Proving your doubters wrong is one of the best feelings in the world and that is what Wells is feeling right now after the game.
The 21-year-old, who was named November 2024 Rookie of the Month, revealed that he had some coaches who thought that the hole in his game is his defense.
He has entered the pro ranks and overcame that hole. Now, he is ready to say to the doubter’s face that he’s changed.
“My Washington State coaches used to say I can’t play defense, so Ima make sure I send a screenshot to the defensive coach,” he said jokingly.
Grizzlies found a steal in Wells and his defense will come in handy if ever they meet the Warriors in the postseason.
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