Offense often gets the spotlight, but it’s defense that wins championships.
Whether it was holding opponents to under 85 points per game or averaging nearly 10 steals a night, these teams turned defense into a weapon.
The 1995-96 Bulls allowed just 92.9 points per game while racking up 9.6 steals per contest, while the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons held teams to 84.3 points per game, thanks in large part to Ben Wallace’s 3.0 blocks per game.
These teams proved that locking down opponents was just as important as putting points on the board, and solidified their place as the best defensive teams in NBA history. of all time.
Best NBA Defensive Teams All-Time
Here are our best five best defensive teams in NBA history, complete with player stats that made these defenses legendary.
1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls
Defensive Rating: 101.8 (1st in NBA)
Opponent Points per Game: 92.9
Blocks per Game: 4.5
Steals per Game: 9.6
Notable Defenders: Michael Jordan (2.2 SPG), Scottie Pippen (1.7 SPG), Dennis Rodman (14.9 RPG)
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are often regarded as one of the best teams in NBA history, and their defense played a big role in their record.
Jordan and Pippen formed one of the best defensive duos of all time, with Jordan leading the team in steals and Pippen locking down opposing wings.
Dennis Rodman led the league in rebounding with 14.9 RPG, smashing the boards and providing a physical presence inside.
This suffocating defense helped the Bulls to a 72-10 regular-season record and another NBA championship.
2. 2003-04 Detroit Pistons
Defensive Rating: 95.4 (2nd in NBA)
Opponent Points per Game: 84.3 (1st in NBA)
Blocks per Game: 6.5
Steals per Game: 7.7
Notable Defenders: Ben Wallace (3.0 BPG, 12.4 RPG), Tayshaun Prince (1.1 BPG), Chauncey Billups (1.1 SPG)
The 2003-04 Pistons prided themselves on their defense, which was the foundation of their championship run.
Ben Wallace was the heart and soul of the Pistons’ defense, averaging 3.0 blocks and 12.4 rebounds per game while earning his second of four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Tayshaun Prince provided perimeter defense, known for his iconic chase-down block against Reggie Miller.
Chauncey Billups added perimeter pressure with his 1.1 steals per game, making this Pistons squad a defensive force that famously shut down the Lakers in the Finals.
3. 1985-86 Boston Celtics
Defensive Rating: 104.6 (1st in NBA)
Opponent Points per Game: 104.7
Blocks per Game: 6.1
Steals per Game: 8.2
Notable Defenders: Kevin McHale (2.0 BPG), Robert Parish (1.4 BPG), Dennis Johnson (1.2 SPG)
The 1985-86 Boston Celtics are remembered for their balanced attack, but their defense was key to their success.
Kevin McHale, one of the best post defenders in NBA history, averaged 2.0 blocks per game and could guard multiple positions.
Robert Parish anchored the paint with 1.4 blocks per game, while Dennis Johnson was a fierce defender on the perimeter, known for his ability to shut down opposing guards.
Together, this defensive unit led the Celtics to a 67-15 regular-season record and their 16th NBA championship.
4. 2007-08 Boston Celtics
Defensive Rating: 98.9 (1st in NBA)
Opponent Points per Game: 90.3 (2nd in NBA)
Blocks per Game: 5.5
Steals per Game: 7.9
Notable Defenders: Kevin Garnett (9.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG), Paul Pierce (1.3 SPG), Rajon Rondo (1.7 SPG)
When the Celtics formed their “Big Three” in 2007, their defense was as impressive as their offense.
Kevin Garnett, who won Defensive Player of the Year, anchored the defense with 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
Paul Pierce had elite perimeter defense, averaging 1.3 steals per game, while Rajon Rondo’s quick hands led to 1.7 steals per game.
The Celtics’ defense allowed just 90.3 points per game, leading them to their 17th NBA championship.
5. 1992-93 New York Knicks
Defensive Rating: 100.7 (1st in NBA)
Opponent Points per Game: 95.4 (1st in NBA)
Blocks per Game: 6.8
Steals per Game: 8.5
Notable Defenders: Patrick Ewing (2.0 BPG, 12.1 RPG), Charles Oakley (11.9 RPG), John Starks (1.5 SPG)
The 1992-93 New York Knicks, led by head coach Pat Riley, were known for their bruising, physical style of defense.
Patrick Ewing was the centerpiece, blocking 2.0 shots per game and grabbing 12.1 rebounds.
Charles Oakley was a force on the boards, averaging 11.9 rebounds per game, while John Starks added perimeter pressure with his 1.5 steals per game.
This defense-first mentality helped the Knicks become one of the toughest teams in the league, holding teams to just 95.4 points per game.
Top 5 NBA Defenses Statistics
These five NBA teams proved that defense can be just as beautiful as offense, locking down opponents and using their elite defensive skills to win championships.
| Team | Rating | Opp PPG | BPG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-96 Chicago | 101.8 | 92.9 | 4.5 | 9.6 |
| 2003-04 Detroit | 95.4 | 84.3 | 6.5 | 7.7 |
| 1985-86 Boston | 104.6 | 104.7 | 6.1 | 8.2 |
| 2007-08 Boston | 98.9 | 90.3 | 5.5 | 7.9 |
| 1992-93 New York | 100.7 | 95.4 | 6.8 | 8.5 |
Whether it was the Bulls’ relentless pressure, the Pistons’ grit, or the Celtics’ shot-blocking, these teams demonstrated that defense truly does win championships.
Check out our 10 greatest NBA duos of all-time and our best Chicago Bulls players of all-time.
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