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Top 6 Best Defensive Teams in NBA History

· Mar 10 - 5 minutes read

Defense isn’t just about blocking shots or grabbing steals – it’s about controlling the game, suffocating the opponent’s every move, and making every possession feel like a struggle. The best defensive NBA team isn’t just a team that stops the ball. It’s a squad that knows how to anticipate every pass and put opposing offenses in a panic.

The NBA’s best defensive team in history isn’t just one or two standout players; it’s all about the team effort. Back then, teams took pride in defense (unlike today). Many ask if Anthony Davis is the best defensive player in the NBA. He probably wouldn’t last long against some of these defensive beasts. Here’s a look at the top six defensive teams to ever step on the hardwood.

6 Best Defensive Teams in NBA History

1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls

The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are the gold standard for the top NBA defensive teams. Dennis Rodman was the enforcer in the paint, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots, while Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen played their parts by shutting down opposing wings. With the combination of elite perimeter defense and a physical presence in the paint, this Bulls squad finished the season with one of the best defensive ratings in the history of the NBA.

The Bulls finished the 1995-96 season, allowing just 92.9 points per game, quickly earning them the top spot as the NBA’s best defensive team ever. The Bulls were the perfect example of how balanced team defense can lead to a championship, cementing their place as one of the 10 greatest NBA dynasties of all time.

2. 2003-04 Detroit Pistons

The 2003-04 Detroit Pistons weren’t exactly a team you’d associate with flashy skills or star-studded lineups. However, they were not to be taken lightly when it came to playing defense. The Pistons, led by Ben Wallace, one of the best defensive players ever to do it, wreaked havoc for offenses that year. With Wallace in the paint, the Pistons owned the interior. And their guard and forward play was a nightmare on the perimeter.

The Pistons finished the 2003-04 season with a defensive rating of 95.4 points allowed per 100 possessions. Their relentless prison ball defense was key to their success, helping them clinch an NBA title. The Pistons should be mentioned when discussing an NBA top defense.

3. 1963-64 Boston Celtics

You don’t get much more classic than the 1963-64 Boston Celtics, who were dominant offensively and tough on the defensive end. The Celtics’ defense was anchored by none other than the legend himself, Bill Russell, whose shot-blocking and rebounding skills were elite. Alongside him, players like John Havlicek and Sam Jones ensured no one got an easy shot off.

The 1963-64 Celtics surrendered just 105.1 points per game, which was well above average for the era. Russell’s presence made a massive impact, and the Celtics’ overall defense helped them win 59 games during the regular season and secure another title, earning them a top defensive ranking in the NBA for that season.

4. 1992-93 New York Knicks

The 1992-93 New York Knicks weren’t just about throwing elbows; they were built to lock up opposing offenses. Patrick Ewing could score with the best of them, but this squad wasn’t winning games with high-flying dunks or pretty passes. The Knicks turned the floor into a war zone, making it feel like every possession was a battle for survival.

In terms of numbers, the Knicks allowed just 95.4 points per game, which put them first in the league. Although they fell short of a championship, their defensive skills made them one of the most feared teams in the playoffs, earning them a rightful spot among the best defensive teams in NBA history.

5. 2007-08 Boston Celtics

When the 2007-08 Boston Celtics came together, it wasn’t just about building an offensive powerhouse – they were out here trying to create a defensive nightmare. Adding Kevin Garnett to the mix took this squad from promising to terrifying on the defensive end. Sure, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen could score with the best of them, but don’t forget, these guys were just as tough on defense.

By the end of the season, the Celtics weren’t just celebrating an NBA title; they were also flexing a defensive rating of 98.9, ranking first in the league as the best defensive team in the NBA. That’s why they’ll always be in the conversation about all-time NBA starting lineups ever.

6. 2015-16 San Antonio Spurs

The 2015-16 San Antonio Spurs were a team that didn’t just balance offense and defense – they made it look easy. But don’t get it twisted; they were an NBA top defense. Led by Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs were a living nightmare for opposing offenses. Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge weren’t exactly slouches on defense, making it nearly impossible for anyone to get a clean look at the basket.

The Spurs’ defensive rating of 99.0 was the best in the NBA that year, and they suffocated their opponents. In addition to their perimeter defense and rim protection, this team was about as well-rounded as possible. They made their opponents wish they were playing in another era while finishing with one of the best home records in NBA history, going 40-1.