Who Has the Best Defense in the NBA?

The answer may surprise you. We take a look at the numbers to see who has been the best at stopping their opponents this season.

The Case for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have the best defense in the NBA. They have the best defensive rating, the best defensive rebound percentage, and the best defensive field goal percentage. They also have the best defensive player in the NBA in Anthony Davis. The Lakers are the best team in the NBA and it is not even close.

Their Defensive Rating

The Lakers have the best defensive rating of any team in the NBA. They have only allowed 97.7 points per 100 possessions. This is 3.3 points better than the second-best team, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers’ defensive rating is also 5.8 points better than the league average.

The Lakers’ defense has been particularly good in the month of January. They have only allowed 92.8 points per 100 possessions over their last 14 games. This is the best mark in the NBA over that span. The Lakers have also been one of the best teams at preventing opponents from scoring in transition. They have only allowed 8 fast break points per game, which is the third-best mark in theNBA.

The Lakers’ success on defense has been driven by their ability to force turnovers and protect the paint. They are first in the NBA in turnover percentage, forcing opponents to turn the ball over on 15.9 percent of their possessions. The Lakers are also first in the NBA in opponent field goal percentage at the rim, allowing opponents to shoot just 52 percent from inside of six feet.

The Lakers’ solid defensive play has helped them to overcome some shooting struggles this season and has been a big reason why they have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

In the 2020-2021 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had the best defense in the league. Their opponents have only shot 43.4% from the field, which is 3.6% lower than the league average. They have also held their opponents to 98.5 points per game, which is 5.5 points below the league average.

The Lakers’ success on defense has been a key factor in their success this season. They have been able to win games even when their offense has struggled, and their defense has been a big reason why they are one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

If the Lakers can continue to play at a high level on defense, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

The Case for the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have the best defense in the NBA. That is not an opinion, it is a fact. The Bucks are first in the league in defensive rating, first in opponent points per game, and first in opponent field goal percentage. They also lead the league in blocks per game and steals per game. All of these numbers point to one thing: the Bucks are the best defensive team in the NBA.

Their Defensive Rating

The Milwaukee Bucks have the best defense in the NBA. They have a defensive rating of 103.4, which is 3.7 points better than the second-ranked Utah Jazz. The Bucks also lead the league in opponent points per game, allowing just 102.3 points per game.

The Bucks’ defensive success is largely due to their ability to force turnovers. They are first in the NBA in steals per game and second in turnovers forced per game. Their ability to create turnovers allows them to get out in transition and score easy baskets, which furthers contributes to their defensive success.

The Bucks’ defense is so good that they are able to overcome some of their offensive struggles. They are just 21st in the NBA in offensive rating, but their defense has been so good that they have a net rating of 5.1, which is fourth best in the league.

If the Bucks can continue to play at a high level on defense, they will be a tough team to beat come playoff time.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Milwaukee Bucks have the best defense in the NBA. One way to measure a team’s defensive performance is by their opponents’ field goal percentage. The Bucks are allowing their opponents to shoot just 43.4 percent from the field, which is the best mark in the league.

The Case for the Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz have the best defense in the NBA. They have the best defensive rating, the lowest opponents’ points per game, and the best opponents’ field goal percentage. They also have the best defensive rebound percentage and the best steal percentage. All of these factors make the Jazz the best defensive team in the NBA.

Their Defensive Rating

The Utah Jazz have the best defense in the NBA. That’s according to their defensive rating, which is the number of points allowed per 100 possessions. The Jazz have a defensive rating of 101.4, which is better than the second-best team, the Boston Celtics, who have a defensive rating of 102.5.

The Jazz’s success on defense is due to their ability to force turnovers and their big men protecting the paint. Their leading scorer is Rudy Gobert, who is also their best rim protector. Gobert averaging 2.3 blocks per game, which is second in the NBA behind only Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Jazz also have one of the best perimeter defenders in the league in former Defensive Player of the Year Ricky Rubio. Rubio is averaging 1.5 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. He’s also very good at getting his hands on passes and deflecting them, something that often leads to fast break points for the Jazz.

The Jazz are allowing just 98 points per 100 possessions when Rubio is on the court, which is the best mark on the team and would rank as the best in the entire league if it held up over an entire season.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Jazz have been the best team in the NBA at preventing their opponents from scoring. They have accomplished this by having an elite level defense. Their opponents’ field goal percentage is the second lowest in the NBA, only behind the Philadelphia 76ers. They also have the best defensive rating, which is a measure of points allowed per 100 possessions.

The Case for the Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have the best defense in the NBA. They are first in the league in defensive rating, allowing only 101.4 points per 100 possessions. They are also first in opponents’ field goal percentage, allowing only 43.0% of shots to be made. The Raptors have been able to slow down some of the best offenses in the league, including the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.

Their Defensive Rating

The Toronto Raptors have the best defense in the NBA. That’s right, the best. They’ve got the second-best record in the league behind only the Golden State Warriors, and they’re doing it with defense. In fact, their defensive rating of 101.4 is tops in the NBA.

What’s even more impressive is that they’re doing it without much star power. Their two best players are probably Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry, but neither is a household name. They don’t have a superstar like LeBron James or Kevin Durant who can take over a game offensively and carry them to victory. Instead, they rely on a deep bench and a balanced attack to get the job done.

It’s working so far, as they’ve got a comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference standings. But can they keep it up? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: they’re playing great defense, and that’s leading to success.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Toronto Raptors currently have the best defense in the NBA. Their opponents’ field goal percentage of 43.4 percent is the lowest in the league. The Raptors also have the best defensive rating, allowing just 101.4 points per 100 possessions.

While the Raptors’ individual defensive numbers are stellar, their team defense is even better. The Raptors rank first in the NBA in defensive efficiency, allowing just 97.8 points per 100 possessions. They also rank first in opponent turnover percentage, forcing turnovers on 13.9 percent of their opponents’ possessions.

The Raptors have been especially good at defending the three-point line this season. Their opponents are shooting just 29 percent from three-point range, which is the lowest mark in the NBA.

All of these numbers add up to a Raptor team that is hard to score against. If they can keep up their defensive intensity, they should be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

The Case for the Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have the best defense in the NBA. They have the length and athleticism to match up with any team in the league. They also have the experience and coaching to be able to execute a game plan. The Sixers have all the pieces to be the best defense in the NBA.

Their Defensive Rating

The Philadelphia 76ers have the best defense in the NBA. Their defensive rating is 98.1, which means they allow 98.1 points per 100 possessions. That’s good for first in the league. The Sixers have been especially good on that end of the floor since the All-Star break, as they’ve had a defensive rating of 97.3 during that span.

Part of the reason why the Sixers are so good on defense is because of their length and athleticism. They have two 7-footers in Joel Embiid and Boban Marjanovic, and they also have players like Ben Simmons and Josh Richardson, who can guard multiple positions. The Sixers also have a lot of depth on their bench, which allows them to keep fresh legs on the court at all times.

The Sixers’ success on defense has been a big part of why they’ve been one of the best teams in the NBA this season. They’ve already clinched a playoff berth, and they currently sit in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 52-30. If they can continue to play well on both ends of the floor, there’s no reason to think they can’t make a run at an NBA title this season.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Sixers have the best defense in the NBA. How do we know this? We looked at their opponents’ field goal percentage.

The Sixers have held their opponents to a field goal percentage of 43.4%. That is the best in the NBA. Their opponents are shooting just 26.8% from three-point range, which is also the best in the league.

What makes the Sixers’ defense so good? They have length and athleticism at every position. They also have players who are willing to sacrifice their bodies to take charges and block shots.

The Sixers are not only the best defensive team in the NBA, they are also one of the most fun teams to watch. They play with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They are a young team that is still learning how to play together, but they have already shown that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The Case for the Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have the best defense in the NBA. They are long, athletic, and they have great perimeter defenders. They also have a good coach in Frank Vogel. The Pacers are not the best team in the league, but they are a very good team.

Their Defensive Rating

The Indiana Pacers have the best defense in the NBA. In fact, their defensive rating is the best in the league. They have been able to hold opponents to just 98 points per 100 possessions, which is an incredible feat.

The Pacers are not only a great defensive team, but they are also a very good offensive team. They are ranked fifth in the league in offensive rating, and they have a plus-minus of 5.8. That means that they are outscoring their opponents by an average of 5.8 points per 100 possessions.

The combination of a great offense and a great defense has led the Pacers to a record of 37-14, which is the best record in the NBA. The Pacers are on pace to win 60 games this season, which would be an incredible accomplishment.

So, what makes the Pacers so good? Well, it all starts with their defense. They have a great mix of size and athleticism, and they are very well coached. They are also very disciplined on both ends of the floor, which is something that not many teams can say.

If you’re looking for a team to root for in the NBA playoffs, you should definitely consider the Indiana Pacers. They have everything you could want in a basketball team, and they are playing at an incredibly high level right now.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Indiana Pacers have the best defense in the NBA. Their opponents’ field goal percentage is a mere 43.6%, which is the lowest in the league. Additionally, the Pacers allow the fewest points per game, at just 97.7.

So, why is the Pacers’ defense so good? A big part of it is their length and athleticism. They have long, lanky players like Paul George and Roy Hibbert who can contest shots and clog up driving lanes. They also have quick, aggressive defenders like George Hill and Lance Stephenson who can pressure the ball and cause turnovers.

But ultimately, it comes down to effort and execution. The Pacers play hard on every possession, and they are very well-coached. They know exactly what they need to do to stop their opponents, and they usually do it.

If you’re looking for a team to root for defensively, the Indiana Pacers are your team.

The Case for the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have the best defense in the NBA. They are number one in defensive efficiency and they have been for most of the season. They have a great mix of experience and youth on their team. Their starting five is one of the best in the league. They have a deep bench that can come in and make an impact.

Their Defensive Rating

In looking at the different statistics that the Celtics have put up this season, one thing is abundantly clear – they are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. Their defensive rating of 103.3 points allowed per 100 possessions is good for second in the league, behind only the Miami Heat.

But defensive rating is just one measure of a team’s defensive prowess. Let’s take a look at some other numbers to see just how good the Celtics have been on that end of the floor.

One thing that stands out immediately is their opponent’s field goal percentage. The Celtics hold their opponents to a league-low 43.4% from the field, and an even lower 31.8% from three-point range. Simply put, opponents are having a hard time scoring against this Celtics team.

Part of that has to do with their ability to force turnovers. The Celtics lead the NBA in steals per game, and they are second in the league in turnover percentage. They force their opponents into mistakes, and then they make them pay with points on the other end of the floor.

But maybe the most impressive part of their defense is that they are able to do all of this without fouling. The Celtics are third in the NBA in fewest fouls per game, and they have only committed 485 fouls on the season – that’s fewer than any other team in the league.

All of these numbers add up to one thing – a very stingy defense that is tough to score against. The Celtics have been one of the best teams in the NBA all season long, and their defense has been a big reason why.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Case for the Boston Celtics – The Boston Celtics have the best defense in the NBA. This is based on their opponents’ field goal percentage. As of January 6th, 2019, the Boston Celtics have held their opponents to a field goal percentage of 43.8%. This is the best in the NBA. The next best team is the Houston Rockets, who have held their opponents to a 44.0% field goal percentage.

The Case for the Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have the best defense in the NBA. There are a few reasons for this. Their head coach, Erik Spoelstra, is a defensive mastermind. They have a lot of length and athleticism on the perimeter with guys like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. They also have one of the best defensive schemes in the league.

Their Defensive Rating

The Miami Heat have quietly put together one of the best defenses in the NBA this season. Their defensive rating of 103.4 is good for fourth in the league, and they have been particularly stingy over the last month, allowing just 98.9 points per 100 possessions since Christmas Day.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra deserves a lot of credit for the team’s improvement on that end of the court. The Heat have always been a good defensive team under Spoelstra, but they have taken things to another level this season. They are forcing turnovers at a higher rate than ever before and getting stops in key situations.

The biggest difference for the Heat has been their ability to defend without fouling. They are averaging just 18.2 fouls per 100 possessions, which is the second lowest mark in the league. That has helped them stay out of foul trouble and stay on the court more often than not.

The Heat’s defense will be put to the test over the next few weeks as they face some of the best offensive teams in the league. But if they can continue to play at a high level, they could be a tough team to beat come playoff time.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Miami Heat have the best defense in the NBA. There, we said it. It’s a claim that can be backed up by a number of metrics, but one that is particularly telling is their opponents’ field goal percentage.

The Heat allow their opponents to shoot just 43.4 percent from the field, which is the best mark in the league. Not only that, but they also lead the NBA in defensive efficiency, which measures how many points a team allows per 100 possessions. Simply put, the Heat are really good at keeping their opponents from scoring.

And while it’s true that the Heat don’t have the same kind of individual defensive star power as some of the other top teams in the league, they more than make up for it with their team defense. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has instilled a culture of defensive excellence on his team, and it shows on the court.

The next time someone tries to tell you that defense doesn’t matter in today’s NBA, just point to the Miami Heat. They’re living proof that great defense can still lead to success.

The Case for the Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have the best defense in the NBA. They are first in defensive rating, and they have the best defensive rebounding percentage in the league. They also have the best defensive efficiency in the league.

Their Defensive Rating

There is a lot of debate in the NBA world about who has the best defense. Some people believe that it is the Golden State Warriors, while others believe that it is the Houston Rockets. However, there is one team that often gets overlooked in this discussion, and that is the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets have the best defensive rating in the NBA, and they have been consistently near the top of the league in this category for a few years now. They have a lot of length and athleticism on their roster, and they are able to use these things to their advantage on the defensive end of the court.

One thing that sets the Nuggets apart from other teams is their ability to force turnovers. They are always near the top of the league in this category, and it is something that they take pride in. When you combine their ability to force turnovers with their solid overall defense, it is easy to see why they are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Denver Nuggets have the best defense in the NBA. Their opponents’ field goal percentage is the lowest in the league, and they have a defensive rating of 100.9, which is first in the NBA. The Nuggets also have the best rebounding percentage in the NBA, and they are seventh in the league in steals per game.

The Case for the Oklahoma City Thunder

It’s no secret that the Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the best defenses in the NBA. Their combination of size, length, athleticism, and smarts is tough to match up with. They also have great team defenders, like Andre Roberson and Steven Adams, who make it tough for opponents to score.

Their Defensive Rating

The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best defense in the NBA. Their defensive rating of 98.2 is first in the league, and they allow just 43.6 points per game, which is also first. The Thunder have been especially good lately, as they’ve allowed just 39.8 points per game over their last five games.

Their Opponents’ Field Goal Percentage

The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best defense in the NBA. That is based on their opponents’ field goal percentage. The Thunder allow their opponents to shoot just 43.6 percent from the field, which is the lowest percentage in the league.

The Thunder’s defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) is also the best in the league at 100.8. They have been especially good at home, where they have a defensive rating of 99.3, which is also the best in the league.

Part of the reason why the Thunder have been so successful on defense is that they have a lot of length and athleticism on that side of the court. Their starting lineup features players like Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, and Andre Roberson, who are all long and can disrupt opponents’ shots.

The other part of the reason why the Thunder have been so good on defense is that they are very disciplined. They don’t bite on pump fakes, they don’t give up easy baskets in transition, and they make their opponents work for every shot.

The Thunder’s commitment to defense has helped them become one of the top teams in the NBA over the last few years, and it is a big reason why they are currently in first place in the Western Conference with a record of 47-22.