New Orleans forward Herbert Jones stresses the importance of keeping opponents in front of you to be an elite defender. NBA teams are focusing more on defense post-All-Star break, leading to a drop in points per game. Coaches and players attribute this to increased discipline and fewer fouls and free throws.

Frenchman Rudy Gobert is a front runner for NBA defensive player of the year, leading in defensive rating. Despite high-scoring games earlier in the season, defenses are catching up to offenses as teams adapt to the flow of the game.