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Top 10 defenses ranked by estimated defensive rating — lower is better
57-15 · West
Est. DRtg
102.3
Opp FG%
42.7%
Blocks
0.9
Steals
2
Defensive Anchor
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 2.9 STK
54-18 · East
Est. DRtg
102.8
Opp FG%
43%
Blocks
1.1
Steals
2.2
Defensive Anchor
Jaylen Brown — 1.7 STK
52-20 · East
Est. DRtg
103.5
Opp FG%
43.2%
Blocks
0.4
Steals
1.8
Defensive Anchor
Donovan Mitchell — 2.2 STK
| # | Team | DRtg | Opp FG% | BLK | STL | Anchor | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 102.3 | 42.7% | 0.9 | 2 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 57-15 | |
| 2 | 102.8 | 43% | 1.1 | 2.2 | Jaylen Brown | 54-18 | |
| 3 | 103.5 | 43.2% | 0.4 | 1.8 | Donovan Mitchell | 52-20 | |
| 4 | 103.9 | 43.7% | 1.4 | 2.2 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 48-24 | |
| 5 | 103.9 | 43.4% | 0.9 | 1.4 | Nikola Jokic | 50-22 | |
| 6 | 104.3 | 43.4% | 0.2 | 0.9 | Jalen Brunson | 50-22 | |
| 7 | 104.3 | 43.6% | 0.5 | 1.3 | Anthony Edwards | 49-23 | |
| 8 | 104.5 | 44.2% | 2.8 | 2.5 | Anthony Davis | 43-29 | |
| 9 | 104.6 | 43.8% | 0.5 | 1.4 | Luka Doncic | 47-25 | |
| 10 | 104.8 | 43.9% | 0.7 | 1.2 | Tyrese Haliburton | 46-26 |
Defensive rating measures how many points a team allows per 100 possessions — the lower, the better. Elite defensive teams combine rim protection, perimeter containment, and disciplined help defense to force opponents into difficult shots. In the modern NBA, where three-point shooting dominates, the ability to contest perimeter shots while maintaining paint protection is the hallmark of great defense.
Nearly every elite defense features a "defensive anchor" — a player who combines shot-blocking, steal generation, and defensive IQ to elevate the entire team. These players deter drives, alter shots at the rim, and create second-chance opportunities through deflections and forced turnovers. The best defensive anchors impact the game beyond what traditional stats capture.
Defensive rating (DRtg) estimates how many points a team allows per 100 possessions. Lower is better. Elite defenses typically hold opponents below 108 per 100 possessions. CourtVision estimates DRtg using win percentage, blocks, and steals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the league with an estimated DRtg of 102.3, followed by the Boston Celtics (102.8) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (103.5).
Historically, teams with top-5 defenses win championships at a higher rate than teams with top-5 offenses. Defense is more consistent in the playoffs because referees allow more physical play and offensive schemes can be scouted more easily in a 7-game series.
Defensive rating per 100 possessions is the most comprehensive metric. Supporting stats include opponent field goal percentage, blocks per game, steals per game, and opponent three-point percentage. No single stat tells the whole story.