NBA 2013-14: The top 5 defenses of the season so far

4. San Antonio Spurs

They are a once in a generation team, one which has mastered the art of consistency. In the current season, they are the only team to rank in the top 5 of both offensive and defensive efficiencies.

Given today’s defensive standards, Tim Duncan’s blocks per game average of 2.0 is not eye catching considering his size, so they don’t have a shot blocker patrolling the paint, but this team relishes the treasures of being proactive rather than reactive on defense. Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard are all top ranking players in the steals category.

Perfect switching, the required amount of communication, double teaming in the post at the right time and help defense present when it needs to be; this unit is one of the most pleasing teams to watch execute a high level of basketball to perfection not just on defense, but on both ends of the floor.

This defense goes up by more than a couple of notches come post-season time. This franchise has made it a habit of making it to the post-season with 16 consecutive trips into the month of May.