Top 10 Defensive Teams of All-Time
(No Order)
2004 Pistons
54-28
Detroit Pistons 2001-2008
Let's start out with one of the more obvious ones. The 2004 Pistons. With the Rasheed Wallace trade, this team took it to another level defensively. At one point they held 4 teams in a row to below 70 points. This is just insane and unheard of. They held 8 teams in a row below 80 points. They eventually won the championship this year with their amazing defense. Ben Wallace was the defensive anchor or this team, and he made them good at defense starting at 2001. He won 4 DPOYs while here in Detriot. They have continued to play good team defense since he has left though. Prince and Billups are 2 other good defenders here.
1970 New York Knicks
60-22
New York Knicks 1969-1974
Another All-Time Great defensive team. In 1970 they have a case of being maybe the best defensive team ever. They allowed only 106 points per game, and 2nd in place was back at 112ppg. They were actually more than 10 below the league average in points allowed. Who did they have? They had one of the All-Time best defending guards in Walt Frazier. They also had Dave Debbuschere, one of the best perimeter defenders. Lastly they had Willis Reed to top it all off. All 3 of these guys made it to All-Defensive 1st in 1970. They for sure were one of the best defensive teams in the league from 1969-1974.
1965 Boston Celtics
62-18
Boston Celtics 1957-1969
You can't have any defensive list without Bill Russell. Right when he first stepped in Boston in 1957, to when he stepped out in 1969, the Boston Celtics were a dominating defensive team led by Bill Russell the greatest defender of All-Time. There were many years (including the one listed) where they were first in shots attempted (fastest pace) yet also allowed the least points in the league. Imagine the Phoenix Suns playing at their pace yet allowing fewer points than the Celtics or Spurs. Besides for Russell, they had other star defensive players including KC Jones, Tom Sanders, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek.
1996 Chicago Bulls
72-10
Chicago Bulls 1991-1998
The 1996 Bulls obviously are remembered to be one of the best ever defensively. 3 Players defined their defense. Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman. All 3 arguably could be on the All-Time All-Defensive 1st team. All 3 of them in 1996 did make it to All-Defensive 1st. But their defensive dominance started even before 1996, with Pippen/Jordan in their primes, they were dominant on defense starting in the early 90s. Rodman just made them even better. It's because of their defense they won a record 72 games.
2005 San Antonio Spurs
59-23
San Antonio Spurs 1998-2009
Another defensive dynasty. It all started in 1998 when the Spurs drafted Tim Duncan. Since then they have been one of the best defensive teams of All-Time. From 1998-2003 the Twin Towers Duncan/Robinson dominated the paint defensively. From 2004-2008 Duncan/Bowen have made it tough for every team to get good looks when they play the Spurs. Their tough defensive style of play has won them 4 titles in the 1998-2008 span. In 2005 they might've peaked with both Duncan/Bowen making All-Defensive 1st as they held teams to a league low 884 points on just 42.6% shooting. Also rated the number one defensive team. Talk about dominance on defense.
1989 Utah Jazz
51-31
Utah Jazz 1985-1992
One of the more forgotten great defensive teams, the Utah Jazz of the 80s. With Defensive Monster Mark Eaton behind this team, the Jazz were one of the best defensive teams in the history of the game. Eaton, arguably the best shot blocker ever, was a dominant force inside that made teams think twice before coming at him. He won DPOY in 1989, while Stockton getting steals and making All-Defensive 2nd. They led the league in least points allowed and holding teams to the lowest FG%. They also were rated the top defensive team. So very dominant.
1990 Detroit Pistons
59-23
Detroit Pistons 1987-1993
You can't have a All-Time best defensive list without the Bad Boys in it. The Pistons no doubt were one of the best ever on defense. Dumars/Rodman led the way with Rodman winning multiple DPOYs and Dumars being one of the best defensive guards in history. Both were at their peaks defensively in Detroit. Then you had some fine defensive role players such as Edwards or Laimbeer with his dirty play. Their defense paid off as they won 2 titles in a row. They are also known for giving Michael Jordan his toughest time in his whole career.
1978 Portland TrailBlazers
58-24
Portland Trailblazers 1975-1978
Another forgotten great defensive team. The reason they couldn't stay very dominant for long was Bill Walton's health. They actually had a total of 4 players in the All-Defensive Teams. That record still stands. 3 of them made it to All-Defensive 1st. Bill Walton was the defensive captain, but then they also had Maurice Lucas and Lionel Hollins. Bob Gross was also a pretty good defender. Together they allowed the least points in the league and held teams to the lowest FG%. Though they didn't win the title in 1978, this team's defense did lead to one title in 1977. Still one of the greatest defensive teams ever.
2008 Boston Celtics
66-16
Boston Celtics 2008-2009
Its only been one year, but it was one of the best defensive teams this league has ever seen. Holding teams to 90.3 points (2nd), while playing some stingy defense that has held teams to a 41.9% shooting (1st). 2nd in place in FG% was at 43.3%. This team also knows how to force TOs, 3rd in the league in that category. Their defensive intensity was also one of the best seen, led by their DPOY Kevin Garnett. Not too many good defensive players around him, but he made all his players step up on the defensive including Pierce and Posey. And they got the job done when it counted as well as they won the title.
1994 New York Knicks
57-25
New York Knicks 1992-2001
Another team that has a strong case for possibly being the greatest defensive team ever. Holding teams to just 91.5 points (10 below average), and the lowest FG% in the league, the Knicks were the top defensive rated team. They had some top notch defenders such as Oakley, Ewing, Harper, and Starks. They dominated the league in defense for 10 years and were rated number one for many consecutive years in the early to mid 90s. They were just one game away from winning the NBA Championship as well. Definately deserving of this list.