Regardless of how fans feel about him, they cannot deny that Patrick Beverley is one of the best defenders in the NBA. Despite not being one of the biggest players in the league, Beverley is one of the most persistent defenders in the league.
Perhaps Beverley’s best defensive game came against the Los Angeles Lakers in December of 2019. Beverley shut down LeBron James and even closed him down before he could hit a potential game-winner in the final seconds.
Beverley was one of the best defenders on one of the best defensive teams in the NBA last season. One of the calling cards of the LA Clippers over the last few years was their excellent defense, and how well they were able to shut down opposition teams.
And Beverley was a big part of them being able to do that. This is why there are so many questions surrounding their defense next season now that Beverley is gone. While his offensive contributions were never anything to write home about, it was his defensive prowess that made him a valuable asset in the league.
But what is the secret to Beverley’s defensive skill? Well, Pat Bev spoke in an interview and answered this question, and he answered it in classic Pat Bev fashion. He said that he tried to invade the space of the opposition players, and loves to do that because of how nervous it makes them.
.@patbev21 on his defensive mindset & making opponents uncomfortable…
"People don't like to be touched and I like touching a lot of people."@wccoradio
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) September 17, 2021
“People don’t like to be touched and I like touching a lot of people.”
The Clippers traded Beverley to the Memphis Grizzlies, who subsequently sent him to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves could benefit from Beverley’s defense, as they are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.
In the way the NBA game is called today, playing strong defense is very difficult. As referees are officiating the game more strictly, and Beverley has learned how to be able to defend with great fervor while also complying with the rules.
