Get ready, NBA fans, because the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are projected to be the two toughest defensive squads in the entire league for the upcoming 2026-27 season. It’s not just a hunch either, these teams are bringing some serious heat to the defensive end, making them the top two contenders for that coveted defensive crown.
Thunder Set to Reclaim Defensive Glory With Scary Depth
The Thunder were flat out nasty last season, locking down the number one defensive rating at 106.5. This isn’t just a fluke, either. What makes their defense so dominant is how many guys can step up, unlike some teams that rely on just one superstar. They’re masters at forcing turnovers and somehow, they barely ever foul. It’s wild! You wanna know how they do it? They’ve got the deepest collection of rim protectors in the game, with Aday Mara, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein all ready to swat shots. That crew alone makes them a nightmare to get buckets against inside. Plus, they allowed the fewest fast-break points last year because they just don’t cough up the ball. Yeah, they lost Lu Dort, which kinda hurts their wing depth against those burlier forwards, and they’ll throw some minutes at younger guys like Nikola Topić, Thomas Sorber, and Bennett Stirtz who are still proving themselves defensively. But honestly, we’re splitting hairs here. The Thunder are built to dominate defensively, and they’re the safer bet to finish at the top again.
Wemby’s Spurs Are Ready to Unleash a Defensive Dynasty
Don’t sleep on the San Antonio Spurs, though. They were already a top-three defense last season with a 110.4 rating, and let’s be real, the Victor Wembanyama era is just getting started. This dude’s presence speaks for itself. There’s a very real chance that this is just the first of many seasons where the Spurs are battling for the number one defensive spot because of him. He’s a game-changer, plain and simple, and he elevates everyone around him on that end of the floor. The Thunder might be the safer bet right now because of their overall defensive structure, but with Wemby anchoring the Spurs, they’ve got that superstar power that can flip a game on its head.
We’ve seen it before, defenses can surprise you. Last year, the Celtics jumped from #22 to #4 and the Suns from #23 to #9. It just shows that the right culture, strategy, and a little luck can totally transform a team’s D. But even with those wild swings, the Thunder and Spurs are projected to be in a league of their own. It’s gonna be awesome to watch which team ultimately takes the defensive crown this season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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