Mr. Miyagi once told Daniel Russo that “the best defense is don’t get hit.” In NBA terms, this translates to “the best defense is don’t get scored on.” A simplification, but true nonetheless.
Against the Toronto Raptors, both Robert and Grant Williams incorporated “Miyagi-do” basketball’s defensive principles, locking down their respective counterparts with intelligent rotations and stellar timing on shot contests.
For both Williamses, the defensive performance against the Raptors was a much-needed step in the right direction. Robert Williams has been influential on offense since the start of the season, but his progress on defense has moved at a much slower pace.