When you talk about elite defense in the NBA, the conversation has to start with the individual stars who dominated on that end of the floor. But even more impressive are the trios who, together, managed to create defensive fortresses that left opposing teams shaking their heads. For me, an undisputed leader in this realm would be the Boston Celtics' 2007-08 trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo. In that season, Boston held opponents to just 90.3 points per game—a remarkable number by modern standards. It's no wonder they won the NBA Championship that year because defense really does win championships.
Kevin Garnett, during his time with the Celtics, was not only the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 but also aged like fine wine. At 31 years old, he was a force with his towering presence and aggressive shot-blocking ability, making it incredibly tough for opposing teams to score in the paint. His defensive rating of 98.9 was truly phenomenal, showcasing why he was a game-changer. Let's not forget how Paul Pierce's on-ball defense and versatile skills made him a match-up nightmare. He averaged 1.3 steals per game and offered tremendous value on both ends of the court.
Then you have Rajon Rondo, who, at only 22 years old, already showed exceptional defensive IQ and quick hands, averaging 1.7 steals per game that season. His speed and court vision made him a pest for opposing guards. The synergy between these three players created a defensive menace that was nearly impenetrable. It's one of those eras you just can't talk defense without mentioning. For me, growing up watching these guys was like seeing a masterclass in basketball defense every game.
Another trio that deserves heaps of praise has to be the San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Bruce Bowen. From the early 2000s right up until Duncan's retirement in 2016, the Spurs were a defensive juggernaut, mainly because of these three. Tim Duncan, touted as “The Big Fundamental,” was the anchor with his impeccable shot-blocking and defensive positioning. In the 2004-05 season, when they won the championship, the Spurs allowed just 88.8 points per game. It felt like they turned defense into an art form.
Bruce Bowen might not have filled up the stat sheet, but his lockdown perimeter defense was second to none. He was always the one tasked with guarding the opponent's best wing player. His influence on the game was so pronounced that he made the All-Defensive First Team five times, which is no small feat. You could easily feel his presence by just how much he got under the skin of players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
And let’s not forget Tony Parker—though not primarily known as a defensive stopper, his quickness and persistent effort on that end magnified the effectiveness of the Spurs’ defense. Together, they formed the backbone of a defensive unit that helped the Spurs clinch multiple championships. Honestly, if you're looking for another golden era of defense, the Spurs' trio of Duncan, Parker, and Bowen has to be in that conversation.
Switching gears to the modern game, the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Andre Iguodala deserve a mention. These guys were a key part of the Warriors' defensive schemes from 2014 to 2019, a period where the team secured three NBA titles. Draymond Green's versatility allows him to guard all five positions, and his high defensive IQ enables him to be a disruptor. His Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017 speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Klay Thompson, often hailed for his “3-and-D” skills, is one of the best perimeter defenders in the game. During the Warriors’ title run in the 2015-16 season, he averaged 1.4 steals per game, frequently taking on the challenge of the opponent’s best offensive player. Andre Iguodala, the 2015 Finals MVP, provided that seasoned experience and defensive tenacity, with an innate ability to make clutch plays. Their defensive rating of 101.1 during their 73-9 regular season run in 2015-16 was otherworldly, especially considering the era's fast-paced play.
Lastly, looking at one of the most recent dominant trios, we have the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez. When the Bucks won the championship in 2021, their defense was impregnable, holding teams to just 105.0 points per game during the playoffs. Giannis, a two-time MVP and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, is practically a cheat code with his unprecedented blend of size, speed, and skill. His iconic block in Game 4 of the Finals against Deandre Ayton will be etched in history books.
Jrue Holiday, often regarded as the most underrated defender in the league, brings relentless pressure on the perimeter. He recorded 1.6 steals per game in the 2020-21 season, always making life difficult for opposing guards. Brook Lopez, a former All-Star turned defensive stalwart, provides rim protection that bolsters the team’s defense, averaging 1.5 blocks per game during that championship run. Watching these three on the court gives you a true appreciation of what modern defense in the NBA can look like.
Each of these trios had their unique strengths and attributes, and their contributions are etched in NBA lore. For more on the most stunning moments and insights into basketball, you might want to check out what’s happening over at arena plus. From Kevin Garnett’s roar to Giannis’ blocked shots, these defensive trios define greatness. I can't wait to see who emerges next as the defensive powerhouse in the NBA!