Under no circumstances is two points preferable to three. As far as "defenses being better," that's also debatable, because the majority of the league sucked defensively in the 80's and 90's, just as today.
At any rate, teams game plan to stop Curry, and he abuses them. Even when the defender plays perfect in-your-face defense, Curry blows by him or just pulls up for a 28-footer. He creates his own shot better than anyone. Ever.
I grew up breathing Bird books and instructional DVDs, and I know that Curry's a better shooter from any range. And he's like 6" shorter.
Bird's arguably on Mt. Rushmore, but Curry's a better shooter.