Boston Celtics: 3 keys to the Celtics’ current winning streak
Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
2. Elite Defense
The first thing that one could look to as the reason for a winning streak is a team’s defense. That is no different for the Boston Celtics. In their last six games, they are leading the league with a defensive rating of 104.4. If we expand that to their last 10, where they are 9-1, that number remains the same, yet they fall behind the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA.com). That is still a respectable place to be at during this current stretch.
To continue with the statistics, Boston is tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for first in the NBA in regards to opponent points per game. They are letting up 103.7 points per game to opponents in their last six. Following that, their opponents are shooting a measly 41.6 percent from the floor, good for second in the league behind the Bucks (NBA.com).
When offense falters, defense is the thing that can stay with a team when injuries pile up. Jayson Tatum has become a top-tier defender in the league, Jaylen Brown has always been a solid perimeter defender, Marcus Smart came into the league as a menace on defense (and nothing has changed) and even Daniel Theis has held his own against the league’s best big men.
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A lot of defensive performances can be attributed to Brad Stevens, as well. People tend to forget the coach when crediting people on a roster. Brad Stevens, while coaching the Celtics, has shown his ability to be a top coach in the league. Minus last year’s shaky season, he seems to be back to form and has the team playing hard.
When the team is healthy (health is the number one priority for the Celtics right now), the defense should likely get better. Teams tend to play better defense when they are playing with a group they have continuity.
It is hard to establish continuity, though, when every night feels like a “spin the wheel” of who will miss each game. Regardless, it’s hard to ignore the defense the team has playing, no matter who suits up every night.