Miami Heat: 3 teams that could rival Miami’s defensive prowess

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 26, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 26, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Teams that could have a better defense than the Miami Heat: Milwaukee Bucks

This was the clear choice for this article. The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of an NBA Championship run, and their defense is absolutely stacked.

They have Giannis Antetokounmpo at the helm, a former Defensive Player of the Year, as well as both Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. All three of those players are elite-level defenders.

Rounding out their starting lineup they have Donte Divincenzo and Brook Lopez. Both of those guys are elite defenders as well.

Then, finally, their bench is composed of some fairly good defenders as well. They signed Semi Ojeleye this summer, and Grayson Allen is also a tough guy on that end of the floor.

Their defense is what won them a championship last year, and don’t expect them to stray away from that identity this season. If they want to make another title run, they’ll have to focus most of their energy on defense.

As long as Antetokounmpo is on the team, they have a chance to be one of the top defensive teams in the league. He’s just that elite on defense that it lifts the rest of the team-up.

The Miami Heat should be in contention for that title, though. With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry, they have one of the best defensive big threes in the league.

The only big three that is better on that end is probably Milwaukee’s. It’ll be close, but the Bucks might end up being better on defense than the Heat.