Mad Dog showed his ignorance of this era by saying Curry lives at the free throw line

I think defense was played more physically in that era and the handchecking argument is fair. However the best teams today play really intense, organized high level defense. Curry had to earn his points against Boston in last years final. Just because players are not being elbowed in the paint doesn't mean defense is not being played. I think the toughest era was late 90s - 2000s, the balance was good, which enhances Kobe's greatness.