When talking about the best defensive performances in NBA history, one name that always pops up is Hakeem Olajuwon. This guy was a defensive maestro, and his stat line from the 1994 NBA Finals is a testament to that. Olajuwon averaged 3.9 blocks per game throughout his career, but during those Finals against the New York Knicks, his presence in the paint was just on another level. Imagine having to deal with Olajuwon swatting away almost any shot that dared approach the rim, not to mention his 10.3 rebounds per game during that series. He was a crucial factor in bringing the first-ever championship to the Houston Rockets.
Another unforgettable defensive clinic came from Scottie Pippen during the Chicago Bulls’ second three-peat run in the late ’90s. Pippen was the ultimate Swiss Army knife on defense, guarding practically every position on the floor. In the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, Pippen put on a defensive show, racking up 5 steals in just one game. His versatility allowed him to pick up the opposition’s best players, be it Tim Hardaway or Alonzo Mourning, and that kind of flexibility was invaluable for the Bulls’ success.
In recent history, Kawhi Leonard’s performance in the 2014 NBA Finals stands out as a cornerstone of defensive excellence. The San Antonio Spurs faced the Miami Heat’s “Big Three”, and Leonard was basically tasked with the impossible—shutting down LeBron James. Over the five games, Leonard held LeBron to under 50% shooting, a significant drop from his usual efficiency. Leonard’s wingspan and defensive IQ made him the Finals MVP, an accolade he earned not just for his scoring but for his lockdown defense.
Let’s not forget Dikembe Mutombo’s legendary finger wag. Back in the 1993-94 season, playing for the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo averaged a staggering 4.1 blocks per game. But it’s his performance in Game 5 of the first round against the Seattle SuperSonics that truly stands out. Mutombo’s 8 blocks in that game helped the Nuggets become the first 8th seed to beat a 1st seed in NBA history. His defensive effort practically etched his name in the annals of NBA lore.
The Boston Celtics’ Bill Russell is another name synonymous with defense. Before stats like blocks and steals were officially recorded, Russell dominated the court like few others. Boston Globe reported that Russell would often block 10 or more shots in a game, and his rebounding was off the charts. He averaged 22.5 rebounds per game over his career and was an 11-time NBA champion whose defensive prowess formed the bedrock of Boston’s dynasty.
Gary Payton, known as “The Glove,” deserves a mention for his tenacity on the perimeter. In the 1995-96 season, Payton led the league in steals, averaging 2.9 per game, and earned the Defensive Player of the Year award—the only point guard to have ever won it. During the 1996 NBA Finals, although his Seattle SuperSonics fell to the Chicago Bulls, Payton held Michael Jordan to under 30 points per game, significantly lower than his regular-season average of 37.1. It’s perhaps one of the finest examples of individual defensive effort, despite the series loss.
Ben Wallace, known for his time with the Detroit Pistons, was a defensive powerhouse with the Pistons’ iconic 2004 championship run. Wallace didn’t just lead his team in rebounds and blocks; he set a tone. In Game 5 of the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wallace racked up 22 rebounds and 3 blocks, pivotal in holding the high-powered Lakers to just 68 points. His physicality and defensive leadership were instrumental in Detroit’s first NBA title in over a decade.
For a more modern example, Draymond Green’s defensive intensity for the Golden State Warriors cannot be overlooked. In the 2015-16 season, Green’s versatility allowed the Warriors to switch almost all screens seamlessly. In their showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals, Green accounted for multiple critical stops and averaged 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. His unique ability to guard all five positions makes him one of the most versatile defenders ever.
One cannot ignore the impact of Michael Jordan’s defense either. While often celebrated for his offensive prowess, Jordan was also a nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member. In the 1988 season, he averaged 3.2 steals per game, a career-high, and won the Defensive Player of the Year. He also led the Bulls in that category, displaying an all-around game that included incredible lockdown defense.
Finally, let’s bring in a contemporary great—Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak’s 2020 season, where he was named Defensive Player of the Year, saw him average 1 block and 1 steal per game while patrolling the court like a gazelle. His length and mobility make him a defensive nightmare for opponents, and he played a crucial role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent championship run. Giannis’s defensive contributions are a big reason why he’s one of the best two-way players in the league today.
For those interested in keeping tabs on these legendary performances and future NBA stars, the arena plus is a great resource to check out.