Miami Heat: Top 3 defenses who won an NBA Championship
By Jack Simone
Defensive juggernauts the Miami heat should study: 1. 2008 Boston Celtics
Rel DRTG -8.6
The 2008 Boston Celtics are not the first team most think of when thinking about defensive juggernauts. However, these numbers say it all.
Their relative defensive rating is over one whole point better than any other NBA champion in the last 50 years. Their defensive rating of 98.1 was over two points better than any other team in the 2008 season.
Boston only allowed 90.3 points per game in 2008, which ranked second, only behind the Detroit Pistons. On average, teams were scoring 99.9 points per game that season.
Their defense was led by none other than Kevin Garnett, who they acquired via trade that previous offseason. He ended up making All-Defensive First team that year.
Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen were Boston’s Big 3, and many credit that team with starting the Big 3 era. Well, the Miami Heat just happen to have a Big 3 of their own this season.
Directly comparing the three is unfair, because asking Bam Adebayo to step into Garnett’s shoes is unfair. However, the general concept of having a big man, a wing, and a guard applies to both teams.
Next. Why Tyler Herro is the most important puzzle piece. dark
If the Miami Heat can follow in this Boston team’s footsteps, they will find a ton of success. Although, it may be painful for Miami Heat fans to try and follow in the footsteps of the Celtics.