Boston Celtics: 5 keys to series vs. Bucks

3. Lean on their elite defense

The Boston Celtics have been incredible on defense all season long, ending the year with the best defense in the league. Although the losses of Marcus Smart and Daniel Theis hurt, it can be overcome as this organization looks ahead to winning this series and beyond.

That defense limited opponents to just 103.4 points per 100 possessions, per Cleaning the Glass, the best mark in the league. The lineup that will be starting this weekend — Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Aron Baynes — is even lower at 91.8 points per 100 possessions allowed.

Horford and Brown are the two key cogs to their versatality, although every member of the rotation contributes. Horford’s foot speed allows him to frequently and capably guard out on the perimeter. In Brown, the Celtics have a guy nimble enough to defend guards but big and long enough to completely snuff them out.

If Milwaukee can find a weakness, someone who could be exploited, then they will attack it relentlessly. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe, they have ball-handlers galore. Boston will be out to show that no matter the circumstances, it can defend at a high level.