Dirk Compares Chandler's Defensive Impact To Garnett's
Dirk Nowitzki has compared the defensive impact Tyson Chandler has had in Dallas to what Kevin Garnett has done for Boston.
"I don't think Ray [Allen] or Paul Pierce were great defenders before K.G. got there," Nowitzki said. "But, K.G., with his energy, his defense, his mentality and his high-octane self, he kind of changed the whole momentum on the defense. I think that's what Tyson did here."
The Mavericks are holding teams to six fewer points than a year ago (93.2) to rank tied for fifth in the league, and they're fourth in opponent field-goal percentage (43.5).
Nowitzki's point on the Celtics has merit.
Boston ranked in the bottom half of the league in two key defensive categories -- 18th in scoring defense (99.2), and 24th in opponent field-goal percentage (46.8) -- the season before Garnett arrived.
The very next season, the Celtics finished No. 2 in scoring defense (90.3) and No. 1 in opponent field-goal percentage (41.9).