In the NBA, defense is typically about strategic positioning, sharp anticipation, and athletic prowess. However, there are moments when defensive plays go awry in such a way that they become increasingly hilarious. What starts as a simple defensive misstep can escalate into a series of comedic errors that entertain fans and leave players laughing on the court.
One of the most amusing examples of weird defense happened during a 2016 game between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder. During the game, Warriors’ center JaVale McGee attempted to block a shot but ended up flailing his arms around wildly, missing the ball entirely and awkwardly bumping into his own teammates. The sight of McGee’s overzealous but ineffective defense, paired with the Thunder’s easy basket, became a viral sensation and a favorite highlight reel moment for fans.
Another classic defensive blooper occurred in a 2018 game between the Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets. Denver’s Nikola Jokić tried to guard Houston’s James Harden but ended up performing a series of hilarious missteps. Jokić appeared to be completely out of sync with Harden’s moves, stumbling and spinning around in circles as Harden casually made a three-pointer. The sight of Jokić’s futile efforts and Harden’s effortless shot turned into a comedic display of mismatched skills.
In a different instance, the 2019 NBA season brought us a memorable defensive mishap during a game between the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers. Kings’ defender Marvin Bagley III attempted to guard Blazers’ star Damian Lillard but ended up sliding across the floor in a comical fashion as Lillard effortlessly dribbled past him for an easy layup. Bagley’s exaggerated slip and Lillard’s smooth finish created a moment that had fans chuckling at the contrast between the two players’ efforts.
Then there was the 2020 game between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics, where Raptors’ defender Pascal Siakam had a notably bizarre defensive moment. Siakam was caught trying to guard Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, but he ended up stumbling and almost falling over while Tatum simply dribbled around him for a smooth basket. Siakam’s exaggerated attempts to stay in front of Tatum and his eventual awkward fall made it a memorable and hilarious defensive fail.
Finally, one of the most hilarious defensive moments took place during the 2021 NBA season in a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies. Pelicans’ Zion Williamson found himself trying to guard Grizzlies’ Ja Morant, but his attempts were so over-the-top and out of sync that he ended up accidentally swatting his own teammate’s shot attempt, leading to a comical sequence where the ball ricocheted around and ultimately resulted in a Grizzlies’ score. The absurdity of Williamson’s defensive misjudgments and the chaotic ball movement provided a perfect example of how defensive mishaps can escalate into hilarious spectacles.
These weird defense moments in the NBA illustrate how the sport’s intensity can sometimes lead to lighthearted blunders. They remind us that while defense is a critical part of the game, it can also be a source of unexpected humor. As players navigate the challenges of guarding their opponents, these moments of comedic failure become a beloved part of the game’s rich tapestry, proving that even in the most competitive environment, there’s always room for a good laugh.
