Defense needs more appreciation in the playoffs

[winforlose]

Anthony Edwards and Jaden Mcdaniels are tied at +88 in the playoffs so far. That leads the NBA in plus minus. Jaden has scored 5 points in the last 2 games, Ant has scored 70. It is also important to note that the Wolves have held the Suns and Nuggets to under 100 points 4 out of 6 games. The national media loves to talk about Ant, but how about some more love for Jaden McDaniels.

[Lockdown504090]

Before this goes on, I would like to point out that, the rule changes that happened post all star this year have enabled these defenses we are seeing.

[vxmike]

I’m absolutely loving watching these playoff defenses and the lower scoring numbers. Minnesota is playing some of the best D I’ve seen in a while.

[MoneyTalks41890]

Thunder haven’t given up 100 points yet (I expect that to change tonight).

[fast+forward]

If only it was equally appreciated by all refs.

[Nuntius]

Jaden McDaniels for sure deserves high praise for his defensive performance so far. He has been a key defender for Minny throughout the year.

[sp6r=underrated]

I don't think anyone disputes defense matters. No one in 2004 disputed offense matters. But right now the game is lopsided to offense in a manner that resembles how lopsided it was to defense back then.

[SlimShady83]

Yes more Defense please and shouldn't be just the playoffs ...

Let's Go Wolves

[Sealab2024]

It just makes for so much better depth to the league and to the games. Teams built on defense in variation, on offense in variation and the middle road teams.... Who's got it this year?

It's not like there won't be high powered offenses that go at each other and end up in shoot outs, it just doesn't have to be every single game all the time.

[Patches Perry]

Thunder haven’t given up 100 points yet (I expect that to change tonight).

They have 2-way players up and down the roster.

What's crazy is they're giving up 12 offensive rebounds per game (4th worst) and still holding teams to (league-leading) 90ppg so far, which means their 1st shot defense is even more ridiculous.

Although if I'm being objective, New Orleans without Zion is one of the least powerful playoff offenses.

[Lockdown504090]

Thunder haven’t given up 100 points yet (I expect that to change tonight).

They have 2-way players up and down the roster.

What's crazy is they're giving up 12 offensive rebounds per game (4th worst) and still holding teams to (league-leading) 90ppg so far, which means their 1st shot defense is even more ridiculous.

Although if I'm being objective, New Orleans without Zion is one of the least powerful playoff offenses.

tbf though, zion on the floor mighta given okc one of the best half court offenses of all time.

[Patches Perry]

Thunder haven’t given up 100 points yet (I expect that to change tonight).

They have 2-way players up and down the roster.

What's crazy is they're giving up 12 offensive rebounds per game (4th worst) and still holding teams to (league-leading) 90ppg so far, which means their 1st shot defense is even more ridiculous.

Although if I'm being objective, New Orleans without Zion is one of the least powerful playoff offenses.

tbf though, zion on the floor mighta given okc one of the best half court offenses of all time.

It's definitely a heads I win, tails you lose situation. Exposing OKC's weaknesses comes at a cost in other ways unless you have truly unique personnel.

[winforlose]

Thunder haven’t given up 100 points yet (I expect that to change tonight).

They have 2-way players up and down the roster.

What's crazy is they're giving up 12 offensive rebounds per game (4th worst) and still holding teams to (league-leading) 90ppg so far, which means their 1st shot defense is even more ridiculous.

Although if I'm being objective, New Orleans without Zion is one of the least powerful playoff offenses.

Don’t forget Ingram was not 100% and coming back from missing a lot of time.

[winforlose]

Cleveland played great defense and took it to Boston. It goes to show shot variance is a problem, defensive variance often is not.