When the criteria of what makes a great defender is discussed, statistics like blocks, steals and charges taken are usually considered. Bill Russell focused on changing the opponent’s shot. Some coaches grade the quality of shot taken. Even against excellent defense, if the ballhandler gets a slight advantage, help is needed or the shot taken, the ball can still get inside. When the player never gets the ball, they can’t score.
Steals that result in lay-ups and dunks at the other end of the court result from stolen passes. Picking someone’s pocket is as likely to result in a foul as it is a steal, perhaps even more so. The skills required to take the ball off a dribbler are far more sophisticated than what is needed to read a player’s eyes and step into the passing lane.
A missed steal or a premature block attempt can result in an open look; a pass that isn’t stolen could still be tipped. The threat of the steal may cause the passer to look in the other direction or the receiver to cut far beyond the three-point arc.
If one team can consistently attack 1-on-1, they will get to the hoop, force the defense to rotate and find open shooters. Stopping that 1-on-1 play demands balance, quickness and agility, abilities which are developed in training sessions. Frustrating a player so that they cannot catch the ball or must move away from the basket to get it can be achieved with slightly less athleticism. Denying the catch prevents dribble penetration.
Forcing an opponent to cut multiple times to get open consumes time, controlling the pace of the game and forcing bad shots as the shot clock ticks down. Stealing passes leads to advantage situations and high-percentage scoring chances as the opponent tries to recover in transition. It takes pressure off the half-court offense because the game can be won with fewer points. So when outgunned, why not deny more?