LaMelo’s Fouls, Philly’s Push, and NBA Highlights

With Thanksgiving here, it’s a fitting time to reflect on what we’re grateful for — including good, old-fashioned NBA defense. Defense is the backbone of any championship-contending team and allows us to better appreciate sublime offensive performances.

This week, we dive into three major storylines revolving around defense: LaMelo Ball’s fouls, the Philadelphia 76ers’ play-in hopes, and Oklahoma City’s defensive versatility.

A Double-Edged Sword

LaMelo Ball has been lighting up the scoreboard for the Charlotte Hornets, posting a career-best 31.0 points per game. Yet, his league-high 70 personal fouls highlight a glaring issue. Despite leading the Hornets offensively, Ball has fouled out of 4 of his 17 games, making him the first point guard in decades to lead the league in fouls.

Key stats:

• Ball is committing 1.37 points per direct drive defended, the worst in the league for players with at least 90 plays defended.
• The Hornets’ defense surrenders 1.78 points per play when opponents drive against Ball in fourth quarters — the league’s worst mark.

Coach Charles Lee has been blunt, even benching Ball in critical moments. However, the Hornets’ offensive efficiency drops by nearly 14 points without him on the court, underscoring their dependency on his scoring prowess.

Mikal Bridges’ Struggles With New York Knicks

After his blockbuster move to the New York Knicks, Mikal Bridges has faced challenges adjusting. His shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, has been uncharacteristically poor, with just 30% of 3-point shots converted.

Surprisingly, Bridges’ once-elite defense has also faltered:

• Opponents score 1.14 points per possession when screens make contact with Bridges, the second-worst rate in the league.
• Teams have forced Bridges to defend 25 on-ball screens per game, the highest workload for any player this season.

The Knicks’ defense currently ranks 23rd, struggling to maintain consistency, especially at the rim.

A Defensive Powerhouse

While other teams face defensive woes, the Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as the league’s most formidable defensive unit. Key highlights:

• The Thunder allow just 103.6 points per 100 possessions, making their defense the stingiest since the 3-point era began.
• OKC leads the league in deflections, turnover rate, and points off turnovers.

Coach Mark Daigneault has implemented innovative tactics, including using a 6’6” guard, Jalen Williams, as a center. This switchable lineup has been a revelation, allowing OKC to limit opponents to 0.77 points per direct pick in switch situations.

Despite injuries to players like Chet Holmgren, the Thunder continue to dominate, showcasing their defensive depth and versatility.

A Race Against Time

The Philadelphia 76ers are grappling with a disappointing start, sitting at 3-14. To reach the NBA play-in tournament, analysts estimate they need at least 33 wins. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives them a 78% chance of hitting that mark, but their reliance on over-30 stars Joel Embiid and Paul George raises concerns.

Neither player has performed at their All-NBA level, with injuries and inconsistencies taking a toll. If the Sixers cannot turn things around soon, even the modest goal of 33 wins may be out of reach.

Key Defensive Narratives to Watch

From LaMelo Ball’s fouling tendencies to the Thunder’s historic defense, this season showcases the critical role defense plays in shaping team success. While some teams, like Philadelphia, struggle to find their footing, others, like Oklahoma City, prove that defensive mastery is a pathway to greatness.

Stay tuned as these narratives unfold, and keep an eye on how teams adjust to these challenges.