MVN: Most Valuable Network

Last season, the Celtics were considered the best defense in the league. Last year they allowed 90.3 points per game. They scored 100.5 points per game. This year they are allowing 89.7 points, slightly better than last year. They are scoring 99.1 points, slightly worse than last year.

Teams like the Rockets, Lakers, and Cavaliers, have all gotten better on the defensive end. The Rockets, who were already a defensive team, traded for Ron Artest, one of the best defensive players in the game. The Lakers got Andrew Bynum, who was injured last year. They got Trevor Ariza back too, who was also injured last year. The Cavaliers had gotten Ben Wallace in a trade last year, who may be in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.

So who's number one? Who's on the outside looking in? Who else is in the top five? Let's take a look.

1. Boston Celtics: You can't deny the defending Champs on what they do best. Defense is their game. They are allowing 89.7 points per game this year, and Kevin Garnett as well as Tom Thibodeau are still in the drivers seat. Paul Pierce continues to amaze me with his effort and talent on defense. Rajon Rondo is starting to break the habit of playing players on the side on defense, instead of staying in front.Once they get Tony Allen back, their bench will scare the other team with their hunger for the ball on defense. Bill Walker, who's in the Development League, has the length and strength, as Lex said in his article, to be somewhat of a James Posey on defense. His athleticism and energy will help on the fast break game.
 
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers, who have a 17-3 record, are allowing 90.2 points per game. Ben Wallace has been excellent for them on defense (although offense is another story), and is one of the reasons this team is near the top. LeBron James, who is on my list for defensive player of the year so far, is averaging 2.05 steals per game and 7.0 rebounds per game. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is averaging 1.35 blocks per game and 7.8 rebounds. He is helped by the high-energy Anderson Varejao, who is averaging 6.6 rebounds, but unfortunately, energy isn't on the stat sheet.

3. Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers, who are allowing 96.4 points per game, are also averaging 108.6 points per game. They've recovered Andrew Bynum, a stong, solid center who has upside on both ends of the floor. Bynum was injured last year and wasn't able to play in the Finals against the Celtics. They Lakers also recovered Trevor Ariza, a productive forward who was also injured last year. Hopefully (for Lakers fans) these players can help the Lakers accomplish what they're playing for. Kobe Bryant, who was on the All-Defensive team last year (and many years before) is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. But, to win, they have to keep this up if they want that ring.

3. Houston Rockets: The Rockets are allowing 92.3 points per game and are averaging 96.6 points themselves this year. The Rockets, who traded for Ron Artest last summer, were already a defensive team before him, and now they are definitely in the top five. Shane Battier, their main defensive player before Artest, is now healthy and ready to help them go for a Championship. Carl Landry, a sophomore player, has unbelievable energy in the fast-break game, and is very valuable to them coming off the bench.

5. San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have always been a great defensive team. This year, while averaging 95.1 points per game, are also allowing just 92.4 points per game. Tim Duncan, still holding strong, is averaging 10.4 rebounds and 1.74 blocks per game. Manu Ginobili's slim margin of error keeps the opposing team from getting second chances, with him averaging only 2.00 turnovers per game, during his 21.6 minutes per game. The Spurs have a 11-8 record, and its not their offense that is doing the job, eh?

Honorable mentions: Atlanta Hawks (OPP=97.05), Detroit Pistons (OPP=95.44), Orlando (OPP=94.35), Charlotte (OPP=93.0), New Orleans (OPP=92.52).

I know you guys are going to be all over me for not putting New Orleans and Charlotte in the top five, but some of the teams are in their because they have a lot of individual defensive leaders that stand out during the whole season also.