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NBA trends: LaMelo's fouls, Philly's magic number, more

No player commits more fouls than Hornets star LaMelo Ball, an incredibly rare feat for a point guard. Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

With Thanksgiving upon us, it makes sense to think about things we're grateful for this time of year. And from a hoops standpoint, I often find myself appreciating good, old-fashioned NBA defense.

It's generally a prerequisite for any team that wants to seriously contend for a title, and more than offense, it relies upon a club's ability to be connected from one play to the next. The gift of good defense also allows us the ability to appreciate sublime offense when we see it.

With all that in mind, we went deep on three distinct storylines throughout the league (with a brief aside on the struggling Sixers' play-in hopes), each of which delves into the defensive side of the ball.

Jump to a section:
LaMelo can't stop scoring -- or fouling out
Mikal Bridges' uneven start as a Knick

A 6-6 wing at center? How it helped OKC
How many wins 76ers need for the play-in