Defense was the theme of the 2010 NBA Playoffs, and for those teams wishing to contend for 2011's championship, it would be in their best interests to recognize the value in that logic.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, and the Boston Celtics were the NBA's top teams for much of the 2009-10 regular season, and it should come as no surprise that all four were among the league's best defensive teams.
Teams that have strong defensive roots usually thrive in the postseason because the slower pace generally favors whichever team is more disciplined in a half-court set.
Man-to-man defense and strong rebounding are critical because transition opportunities are limited in the NBA postseason, and offenses tend to run at a more deliberate pace.
The Phoenix Suns were the only offensively-minded team able to reach the conference finals last season, and next season may see the league's best teams shift even further to the defensive end.
To be fair, teams like the Lakers, Miami Heat, and the Magic will still be able to dazzle you on the offensive end, but each team's title hopes rest on the ability of thei ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Hadarii Jones
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