Why the Charlotte Bobcats have become relevant

Dec 6, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Elliot Williams (25) dribbles the ball around Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

Look at it in any angle you want, the Bobcats are a top-five defensive team in the NBA. They rank second in points against, tied for fourth in opponents field goal percentage, tied for sixth in opponents points per shot, ninth in blocks and 10th in rebound differential. The Bobcats have gotten nowhere on offense this year and the only reason they’ve been able to stick in games is because of their defensive ability. The defensive improvement starts with point guard Kemba Walker. Walker has been able to match his 2012 defensive wins shared (1.1) in just 20 games this year. Defense wins games, so if the Bobcats can match their current defensive intensity they should be in the thick of the playoff race.