Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 26: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons gets in a altercation with Marcus Smart #36, Grant Williams #12 and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 26, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Why the Boston Celtics are legitimate NBA title contenders: Defense

Not only are the Celtics a red-hot team going into the final stretch of the season, but their roster is tailored to have success in playoff situations. In the NBA Playoffs, the game usually slows down, and defenses are put to the test. Because you play the same team over and over again, coaches and players are given the time to scheme and plan for their opponent.

Defensive weak points are often found and exploited in playoff series. When facing the Celtics however, there may not be a defensive weak point to target. The Celtics’ weakest defenders that could see playoff minutes are Payton Pritchard and/or Daniel Theis. While these two are not elite defenders, the other six players that will see major playoff minutes are.

The Celtics’ defensive scheme mainly revolves around their ability to switch against the pick and roll, a common offensive set in the playoffs. They have one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA in Marcus Smart, and with versatile big men like Al Horford and Grant Williams, plus elite shot-blocker Robert Williams down low, scoring against the Celtics in the playoffs could be a nightmare.

Star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have also made strides defensively this season, and will surely be impactful on that side of the floor.

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