Why don't the mid-late 80's Utah Jazz get talked about as an all-time great defense?

Because they were a nothing team. The Jazz never made it out of the 2nd round in the 80's. No one really pays any attention to defense until the conference finals. Particularly back then. Defense is only appreciated if it gets you somewhere.

[QUOTE=1987_Lakers;15021622]You hear more talks about the '90's Bulls in particular the '96 version being an all-time great defense.

1996 Bulls: 101.8 DRTG
League average: 107.6 DRTG
Net: +5.8

1989 Jazz: 101.5 DRTG
League Average: 107.8 DRTG
Net: +6.3

'89 Jazz > '96 Bulls?

Utah's defense seemed better. Chicago during MJ's run were the #1 defense in only one season, in 1996. Utah under Eaton were the #1 defense in 4 different seasons.[/QUOTE]

There is quite a lot of nuance missed here. Because the Jazz were so middling offensively, they create the entire style of play around mucking things up every night.

The 1996 Bulls didn't need to do that every game, but when the playoffs came around and things naturally tighten up its pretty clear what level they were capable of rising to defensively. And I would be very surprised if the Jazz in the 80s could match that.

If you've played ball before (assuming you have) you'll also understand that when you're scoring well the game tends to move a little more freely and you'll give up more points too.