Stephen Curry has requested the task of guarding Chris Paul in Tuesday's game against the Hornets. Monta Ellis has defended Paul in Golden State's most recent two meetings.

Curry lobbied Keith Smart to defend Russell Westbrook in Sunday's win over Oklahoma City.

"I always tell Steph, 'How we go is how you start us, either pushing the tempo on offense or being aggressive with active hands on defense,' " Smart said. "If he's doing those things, the team will follow suit. That was a big statement for him to say, 'I want to stay here (against Westbrook) and let Monta guard (Thabo) Sefolosha.' "

"If that's what Coach wants, that's a challenge I'll take," Curry said. "I'm being more confident on defense, and it comes with knowing my opponents better each time I play them. Nothing really surprises me anymore, and I can prepare a little better for what I'm going to see.

"Any good defensive player is going to take the challenge and say, 'You're not scoring on me.' I'm trying to step up to that challenge."