HOUSTON -- Patrick Beverley doesn’t give a damn what you think of him, his team or his game.
It’s a game built to irritate the opponent, push his teammates and team to greater heights.
The Houston Rockets guard doesn’t get the national attention like Golden State's Draymond Green for his defensive intensity. He’s not one of those big powering defensive centers such as Rudy Gobert or DeAndre Jordan. He’s not a quiet defensive force like Kawhi Leonard.
What Beverley does bring is heart and soul to a team that is among the best in the Western Conference, and he’s not afraid to tell you what his stature should be around the league.
"I’m the best guard in this league, defensively, man, hands down," Beverley said. "You can ask any team; ask any coach; ask any player. They will tell you the truth. This year, I’m the best defender in the league."
Since Beverley returned from knee surgery on Nov. 17, the Rockets are tied with Golden State for the best record in the league at 15-2.
The guard's impact can't be ignored.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Rockets' were ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency while he was out. Since his return, the Rockets are eighth and now rank 14th overall for the season.
Beverley guards the opponents best guard, such as Russell Westbrook. While the triple-double machine recorded one against the Rockets on Dec. 9, when matched against Beverley that game, he went 2-for-12 with two turnovers and five missed 3-pointers in the loss to Houston.
It was one of Beverley’s best defensive games of the season: In the closing seconds, Beverley was all over Westbrook, forcing an air ball on a shot that would have given the Thunder the lead. And after the Thunder got one final heave near the final buzzer, there was Beverley, coming down with the rebound to close it out.
He shows no fear in taking on the likes of Westbrook, Golden State's Stephen Curry, the Clippers' Chris Paul or whoever else poses a threat to the Rockets. But there's more to Beverley's game than locking down opponents on the defensive end.
"Not only defensively, his entire game," said Rockets guard James Harden. "Making shots, rebounding the ball at a high level, double-digit assists, the intangibles. He’s been filling the stat sheet up."
Harden said Beverley should make the NBA’s All-Defensive team and deserves consideration for Defensive Player of the Year.
Even in private moments, the feisty Beverley is working. After a game last week, Beverley’s son was in the locker room playing around. Beverley asked his son to get in the defensive stance and back up like he was guarding someone. He did so, no questions asked.
"He's good in so many different areas ... where he’s good at is feistiness, his toughness; he’s just relentless in practice, in the film room," Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He’s on all the time. You need that type of energy and that type of commitment. Since he’s come back, he’s put people back at the proper positions. So it makes everything function a lot better."
When Beverley was out, the Rockets started Eric Gordon and eventually Corey Brewer as the other guard with Harden. After Beverley’s return, Gordon moved to the bench, paired up with Beverley at times, and it has benefited the Rockets. Gordon is second in the league in scoring off the bench, and Beverley provides a solid backcourt partner to Harden.
"You know me, I’m not big into the numbers," Beverley said. "I just like to go out there and have fun and have a ton of energy. And I’m one of the leaders of the team, so I have to make sure my hard hat and my lunch pail is ready every game.
"For us, since I’ve been back, it’s been that way, and I want to keep the mindset and keep this thing rolling every night."
Beverley is also rolling on the court, literally, in search of turnovers.
Beverley leads the NBA in loose balls recovered per game and is tied for sixth overall in total loose balls recovered despite ranking 191st in total minutes played, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
"He never gives up, plays hard every time he’s on the court. He’s a great teammate to have," Brewer said.
Last season was difficult for the Chicago native. He came into the season 20-pounds overweight and played sluggishly. After losing 17 pounds in the offseason and having minor knee surgery, Beverley is crashing the boards and having a positive presence every night.
"You carry 20 [extra] pounds and see how high you jump," he said. "I lost a lot of weight this summer, and I’m in [good shape] right now, and I’m having fun."
Whether it's working his diet or preparing for his next defensive matchup, Beverley puts everything he has into his craft.
"Just being tuned in, understanding what we want," D'Antoni said. "Bringing up good questions [in film session] and not just sitting there or spacing out. He’s all in."