The offense wins fans, the defense wins the championship! These five iron-blooded guards in the NBA can best lock the superstar

In an NBA league that pursues high scores and performances, defense is often overlooked. But those who really understand the ball know that defense is the foundation for winning the championship. Some players may not be scoring machines, but their defensive abilities can completely disintegrate opponents' offense and enhance the team's momentum, and even support a whole line of defense by one person.

Fifth place: Rudy Gobert

Career honors: 3 DPOYs, 6 Best Defensive Team, 4 rebounding champions, 2 blocking champions

Gobert is known as the "French Tower", and his deterrence under the basket is the first in active service. His arm span discourages his opponents, and he is proficient in blocking, assisting defense, and filling up positions. Although the Jazz were eliminated in the 2021 playoffs, Gobert blocked the inside with his own strength many times, and his opponent's shooting percentage in front of him dropped sharply. He is not the kind of highlight player, but his data and presence are extremely real. He is the purest defensive center representative in the league today.

4th place: Kawhi Leonard Career Honors: 2 DPOY times, 5 best defensive lineups, 2 FMVP

Leonard's defense is oppression performed by "silently". He has been the most terrifying defender on the outside since the Spurs, and often defends against people of James and Durant alone. In the 2014 finals, he successfully restricted James' performance and became the youngest FMVP. His oversized palms and reading ability make him extremely threatening in blocking pass routes and creating mistakes. On the way to lead the Raptors to the championship in 2019, he blocked Simmons and Antetokounmpo all the way, proving that his defense changed the game.

Third place: Dwight Howard

Career honors: 3 DPOYs, 5 Best Defensive First Team, 5 Rebound Kings, 2 Block Kings

At its peak, Howard was a well-deserved overlord of the penalty area. During his magical period, he led the team to the finals with strong defense and won DPOY for three consecutive years. In the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, he averaged more than 3 blocks per game and also cut off his opponents many times. Whether it is head-on or coordinated defense and fill-up, his speed and strength are almost perfectly combined. Later, in the 2020 season when the Lakers won the championship, he still played an important role in the inside iron gate.

Second place: Tim Duncan

Career honors: 8 best defensive first team, 1 DPOY nomination, 5 championships

"Stone Buddha" Duncan is not only an offensive master, but also an evergreen in defense. His defense is never stunning, but he is extremely stable. He is good at assisting defense, positioning, and frame protection, and can even block the opponent's pick-and-roll tactics. In the 2003 Finals, he averaged 5.3 blocks against the Nets, and in the finals G6 even staged a "quasi-five double" and became a model of defensive influence. He does not pursue blocking big data, but can complete the most accurate assisting defense at critical moments. He is a textbook-level figure in defensive tactics.

No. 1: Dennis Rodman

Career Honors: 2 DPOYs, 7 rebounding champions, 8 best defensive teams, 5 championships, Rodman is the most extreme defensive champion in NBA history. His position and rebounding battles are as accurate as art, and he won the rebounding champion for seven consecutive years at the craziest time. He can not only defend the inside, but also stubbornly kill outside star players when necessary. Jordan once said: "No one wants to be defended by Rodman on the court." His defensive confrontation, fighting spirit, and psychological tactics have caused countless stars to suffer. Especially during the Bulls' period, his defense was the guarantee of victory and was the most dominant "defensive madman" in NBA history.