5 strong offensive teams that should play better defense

The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry shoots to his offense against the LA Lakers“Offense is the best defense” isn’t just a saying – it’s absolutely true.Winning a basketball game starts from playing good defense. The championship teams are almost well balanced in the defensive end of the floor too. In basketball defense is a team thing, everybody should be able to defend and play together in team defense.This depends on team chemistry, individual priorities and the Coach. The points a team score in a game will go in vain if the team does not play good defense. We present teams that have good scoring and offense, but they have to improve their defense to win and get to the next level.** The stats presented are current and the numbers could have changed since this article was written.

#1 Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets make the list because they have a good offense and have scored some high point totals this season. So for a team like Charlotte who have always been the league’s punching bag, making the list shows they are headed in the right direction. They have put together a good team this season and addressed their 3 point shooting need by adding Batum.

However, trading Noah Vonleh may have been an inadvisable move.

In the 2015 season, Charlotte have scored an average of nearly 105 points a game, but give up 101 points on average. With no shot blocker in the team and an undersized point guard, they must pick up their intensity on the defensive end.

If the Hornets want to make the playoffs this season they need to strengthen their defense, because at the mid-level the eastern conference is very competitive this year. They will miss Bismack Biyombo, but the current team has the length and size to play a good defense.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

It is time that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook make highlight defensive plays more often and play consistent defense. Apart from Ibaka, there are not many established defensive players in the OKC roster. When Sefolosha left to Atlanta, Oklahoma lost it best on-ball defender. Their roster boasts efficient scorers like Waiters and DJ Augustin. So if the team has to pick up on their defense, it has to start from their All-star starters.

Coach Donovan needs to get his team to play good defense if he needs to win a championship. At present, teams playing Oklahoma City Thunder score an average of 101 points per game against them. This should change quickly if the team is hoping for a high seed entering the playoffs in the wild west.

With an athletic roster and two of the top 10 players in the league on their side, we can expect a transformation in Oklahoma.

#3 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies

This team features a defensive Player of the Year from the past, and one of the superior on ball defenders, but both Marc Gasol and Tony Allen are struggling now. It is disheartening to see a team that made the western conference finals implode and disappear.

Memphis has been allowing opponents to score 105 points a game on average against them, and has been unable to win – or even lose games decently. This is a far cry from the Grizzlies who once had 3 All-star representations in the same year.

The teams in the western conference have upgraded and moved on from the previous two seasons, although Memphis have not. This team signed Jeff Green who was a promising prospect from the Celtics, but he has not delivered yet. With Courtney Lee and Tony Allen playing guards, the scoring is limited and dependent on Gasol to take the next step. If the Grizzlies want to make some noise in the west, they better pick up the pace on both ends of the floor before it’s too late.

#4 Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings

Sacramento is undergoing an experiment that will keep their All-star Center DeMarcus Cousins in the team when he hits free agency. With the legendary George Karl selected to coach one of the most disorganized teams in the league, it will be interesting to see what he can achieve this season. The front office is doing more than a decent job by adding Rondo to the mix. Cousins should have enough with Rudy Gay and Rondo to take the team to playoffs.

Rookie prospect Willie Caulley-Stein is bolstering the defense, and it is exciting to see the big player’s immense energy. However, the team must improve their defense to materialize their efforts on and off the court. For a team that is figuring out the offensive system under the new coach, they should play a superior defense. They cannot allow opponents to score 107 points on average against them.

#5 Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers

It is an absolute pity that what is believed to be the farewell season of the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, is off to a disastrous start.

There is no doubt Kobe will be back to normal if he continues to play through the season, but the rest of the team has to step up. For years, the Lakers have been criticized for investing in Kobe a little too much.

In spite of the defensive troubles, with rookies told to hit the bench if they didn’t play defense, it has been exciting to watch Randle and Clarkson showing glimpses of the Lakers’ future.

With D’Angelo Russell now starting at point, the Lakers must figure things out quickly. The talent in the team is evident but it is time to step up and perform. As things now stand, the Los Angeles Lakers are the worst defensive team in the league.

The team needs a spark and it is time they understand Kobe will not be around for too long.