Boston Celtics: Evaluating the Celtics heading into the hiatus
Defensive performance breakdown
The Boston Celtics were not supposed to be a good defending team this season.
With Kemba Walker, a small guard, and Daniel Theis, a small center, experts began questioning the team’s ability to guard at those two positions.
While Kemba hasn’t been the greatest on defense, he has been above average.
Theis, on the other hand, has been phenomenal. Whether the credit should go to him or Brad Stevens’ gameplans, the team has done a pretty solid job of making opposing centers uncomfortable.
One of the more memorable performances like this was Joel Embiid‘s poor 1-of-10 shooting night against Theis and the C’s.
They’ve shown the ability to hold their own, something that has been reflected time and again.
Credit also goes to the trio of wings on the squad.
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Brown came into the league as a defender, and has not let up on that end during the season. Tatum has elevated his defense to an absurd level in this campaign, becoming a viable two-way player. Meanwhile, Gordon Hayward put his rough defensive showing from last season behind him, and has played better than expected on that end.
All of this is true, and Marcus Smart hasn’t even been mentioned yet. Smart consistently finds himself in amazing defensive highlights, a tribute to his heart and hustle. Without him, there is no saying where the Boston Celtics would be ranked in most defensive categories.
The defensive versatility and defensive switching that the team’s top six players can do is something that not a lot of teams can bring to the table. Daniel Theis, even, ahs been tasked with some possessions against tough guards, including one against Trae Young where he blocked Young’s game-winning three attempt.
With the size and length, as well as the toughness that the Celtics have, it’s no question that they rank so high on the defensive side of the ball.
Best Defensive Stat: Opponent points in paint – 43.2 (third in league).
Worst Defensive Stat: Opponent second-chance points – 13.2 (18th in league).
Overall Defensive Grade: A