11.   The comeback started with stifling defense and a pick-and-roll scheme adjustment that stunted Doleac and fueled the Lakers offense.

12.   The Comets, who have been amazing through a tragedy-filled season, used a stifling defense to dispose of the Liberty.

13.   The Lakers are up two games to none in this best-of-five series, and at the core of their success is stifling defense.

14.   The Stars will take more than four games to beat the Sabres, but ultimately they will overwhelm Buffalo with physical play and stifling defense.

15.   The Steelers are a much better team, with an explosive offense and a stifling defense.

16.   The Tide can swallow teams whole with its stifling defense.

17.   They started their run with Kemp struggling, but made up for that with stifling defense and substantial role play.

18.   With Tharpe and Pro Bowl guard Duval Love, the Cards are aiming for a line that will allow their retooled offense to contribute like their stifling defense.

19.   With the stifling defenses that DuBose helped coach, that method worked.

20.   All the Spurs have to do to advance to face the Los Angeles-Sacramento winner is give the Mavs more of the same stifling defense and efficient offense.