Top 5 Defensive Duos In The NBA This Season
Compared to the 90's and early 2000's, and with the rise of the three-point shot, NBA defenses have evolved into complicated beasts. No longer is it just about staying in front of your man, but more so playing defense as a team, switching on picks, rotating at the right times, and ultimately, preventing the outside shot and drive, settling for mid-range jumpers.
That's why having a collection of players that are capable defenders, instead of one standout defensive superstar who can guard the majority of the opposition lineup one-on-one, is far more valuable to the success of a franchise.
With that being said, we're going to run through five of the best defensive duos in the game today -- that is, two players on any given team who have a low combined opponent field goal percentage. You may be surprised with the results.
5. Al Horford And Marcus Smart - 42.4 Opponent FG%
4. Andre Iguodala And Klay Thompson - 41.7 Opponent FG%
3. Robert Covington And Joel Embiid - 41.5 Opponent FG%
2. Joel Embiid And J.J. Redick - 41.4 Opponent FG%
1. Joel Embiid And Ben Simmons - 40.9 Opponent FG%
One thing's for certain, the Philadelphia 76ers have a very bright future on the defensive end.