Credit: David Eluwole
They say that the best form of attack is defense. That might not be 100% true when it comes to basketball – after all, it’s the points that win teams the best prizes. But, undoubtedly, preventing the other team from scoring is also an essential factor. So, while players may hit the headlines for the points they notch up, it’s also important to recognize that their roles as defenders of the hoop are also key. Naturally, some teams are stronger than others, and this shows up in their defensive ratings—judged by the number of points scored per 100 possessions by their opponents. So here are five with some of the best overall ratings going into the end of the regular season.
Minnesota Timberwolves DR: 110.9
Last season, the Timberwolves were the top-rated team defensively, although they have now slipped down in the rankings with a still very respectable rating. Some are putting this slight loss of form down to Karl-Anthony Towns’s departure for the New York Knicks. The 7-footer was a definite imposing figure on the court, so the smaller Julius Randie may have a job to emulate his influence. They do have Rudy Gobert to thank for many of their defensive achievements, and his flexibility and adaptability are facets any team would value. Other key team members keeping the defense tight and functioning well are Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. They might not be the defensive force of last season, but they’re still very, very good, and now it’s just a case of keeping a cool head -something that has recently been an issue.
Boston Celtics DR: 110.6
Last season’s champions are also running at the same defensive rating as last year and, according to the NBA betting, look set to feature in the playoffs again this April. Defensively, there has been some juggling to do thanks to injuries and a backup center in the shape of Al Horford, who is now 38 years old. Kristaps Porzingis has shown himself always ready to step into the breach and, in unison with his senior team members, has proved an obstacle for many oppositions. Jayson Tatum’s skills have always been slightly under-appreciated, but he still has a key role to play, and Derrick White and Jrue Holiday also form an impressive duo. Their stamina is also beyond question, having played a combined 144 games between them, as well as four playoff rounds and then taking part in the Paris Olympics.
LA Clippers DR: 109.3
Over the seasons, the Clippers’ position in the defensive ranking has fluctuated widely, but they now seem to have hit a winning formula. It’s even been suggested that they could well become a defense-centric team. Even though James Harden has consistently failed to live up to expectations and Kawhi Leonard’s health causes concern, there has been an influx of new defensive talent. Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. are already proving their worth to the team, and Ivaca Zubek is undoubtedly under-rated for his capabilities. The approach of coach Tyronn Lue is also proving instrumental in these changes. He’s shown himself to be more than willing to try unusual defensive strategies to turn games the Clippers’ way. One criticism is that he still focuses slightly more on offense, but that may be changing as he starts to bring on the more junior members of the team.
Houston Rockets DR: 109.6
Coming in third in our list are the Houston Rockets. Last season, they struggled slightly, thanks to the lack of a defensive negative. This season, their offense is led by the phenomenal Alperen Sengun, while the defense role sits on everyone else’s shoulders. Fortunately, there are many players more than suited to the task. Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet are leading the way, and they support him. Others include Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, and Tari Eason. While none quite have the makings of a Defensive Player of the Year, coach Ime Udoka has plenty of ability to mold and develop as time passes.
Oklahoma City Thunder DR: 105.9
The Thunder is at the top of the pile by a considerable margin. In a skills-rich roster, stand-out defenders include Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. Then there’s Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Cason Wallace, who have all proved to be perimeter defenders par excellence. Add to this last season’s steals leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and you have a defense with just one word to describe it – impenetrable. So there they are. They are five great teams with five great defenses. Will it be enough to see any of them become this season’s champions? Only time will tell.