12 Recent Plays That Will Fire You Up About Defense

Defense doesn't get enough love in sports, despite the fact that athletes regularly make superb and mind-blowing defensive efforts.

Sure, scoring plays are usually more overtly exciting, but an incredible outfield catch can be just as electrifying as a touchdown—as long as folks are willing to give that catch its due appreciation.

From diving saves to triple plays and disrespectful blocks, let's take a look at a few recent defensive gems that are guaranteed to fire you up. First up, James Harden.

(Jokes.)

Von Miller's Strip-Sack

Yes, it's been a few months since Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller dominated Super Bowl 50. Still, it's never a bad time to reminisce about that time he strip-sacked Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Incredibly, Miller actually pulled that off twice in the same game, but the first-quarter version resulted in a Denver touchdown.

Keylor Navas Denies Messi 

Normally, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is the one firing people up with his mesmerizing ball-handling skills and unbelievable goals. This time, however, Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas was the one to make the highlight reel with a breathtaking save on a Messi attempt. At first, it looks like a good, not great save, but check out that bend on Messi's shot. Wow.

Draymond Green's Steal

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors makes a habit out of inspired defense. One particularly notable effort came in a March win over the Atlanta Hawks. Was it a steal? Was it a block? You decide:

Michal Neuvirth's Last-Second Save 

Check out this unreal stop from Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth:

With three seconds left in a February game against Minnesota, Wild center Charlie Coyle ripped off a shot that would have—and probably should have—tied the game. The Wild players even threw their hands up in celebration, only to realize the puck had not, in fact, crossed the goal line.

White Sox Pull Off a 9-3-2-6-2-5 Triple Play  

How often do you see a triple play at all, let alone a 9-3-2-6-2-5 triple play? The Chicago White Sox pulled one off in a win over the Texas Rangers in April. Even more impressive than the physical skill involved was the quick thinking required. According to ESPN.com's Christina Kahrl, citing the SABR database, it was the first triple play of its kind. 

Jerome Baker's One-Handed Interception 

College football spring games don't typically generate a ton of must-see action, but this Jerome Baker interception was an exception. The Ohio State linebacker made a crazy one-handed grab to give possession back to the Scarlet team during OSU's annual scrimmage. That's some Odell Beckham stuff right there.

Aaron Hicks' 105.5-mph Missile

Most MLB pitchers can't throw a 105-mph fastball. And yet, Aaron Hicks of the New York Yankees unleashed a 105.5-mph laser from left field in April. The throw, the fastest ever recorded by Statcast, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, nailed Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia at home. Unreal:

Oh, and when it comes to dirty outfield throws, an honorable mention goes to the Los Angeles Dodgers' Yasiel Puig.

Isaiah Thomas Chases Down Chris Paul

Defense is all about effort, and Isaiah Thomas embodied that sentiment when he refused to give up on this Chris Paul breakaway. The 5'9" Boston Celtics point guard chased down his Los Angeles Clippers counterpart for a sensational block in the first quarter of a March matchup:

Watson and Wiese Pull off Relay Catch

There have been several insane catches from MLB outfielders in 2016 (see above for an example from Steven Souza Jr. of the Tampa Bay Rays), but let's shake things up and give these cricketers from the Indian Premier League some love: 

In an April match against the Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Shane Watson pulled off an incredible relay catch near the boundary, which was impressive enough, but then he managed to lob the ball to teammate David Wiese as he crashed over. 

Escobar Doubles Up 

A blind basket catch is no easy feat. Not only did Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar pull it off during an April win against the Houston Astros, but he also whipped the ball over to first to double down on Carlos Gomez. According to Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, Royals pitcher Ian Kennedy said, "It's probably the best play I've ever seen in person."

Whiteside's Block on Williams

It is not easy to score on Miami Heat 7-footer Hassan Whiteside. Just ask Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams. Whiteside threw down an absurd one-handed block on Williams during a win in February. And "casual grab" might even be a more appropriate term, given the ease with which Whiteside denied Williams: 

Rimando's Double Save 

Nick Rimando is a goalkeeper for Real Salt Lake and the U.S. men's national soccer team. He's also a boss. Check out this dirty double save he pulled off late to preserve a win over the Houston Dynamo:

According to Chris Kamrani of the Salt Lake Tribune, Houston coach Owen Coyle said it was probably the "save of [the] season."

Defense rules.