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Defensive Impact
The Nuggets did not have a reputation as a defense-first team throughout the regular season, but their commitment on that end of the court has been a catalyst for their championship run. Denver has posted the fifth-best defensive rating in the NBA during the playoffs. Most sayings only reach the "cliché" status because they have truth to them, and "defense wins championships" has consistently rung true for decades.
Wembanyama understands the importance of defense. During the French Playoffs, he has averaged 2.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game, never allowing opposing offenses to feel comfortable in his presence. This mindset, paired with the principles instilled by Coach Pop and the length of Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell, will make it challenging for anyone to score against San Antonio. Defense is mostly about effort, and this revamped Spurs roster will disrupt opponents on every possession.