Celtics’ Defense Returns to Form in Win Over Miami Heat

The Boston Celtics returned to their normal defensive form in their win over the Miami Heat

It had been seven consecutive contests in which the normally stout Boston Celtics had allowed their defensive approach to lapse, letting up at least 100-plus points to their opponents in each battle while relinquishing three potential victories from their grasp.

It left fans and head coach Brad Stevens bewildered, astonished at the sight of Boston. Despite being third in the NBA in defensive efficiency rating, they appeared soft on the defensive side of the ball.

Driving lanes for opponents were open, three-point looks were unbothered in abundance as the Celtics struggled to close out on their defenders. Opponents also shot a multitude of attempts from the free-throw line as Boston was constantly in the penalty.

However, the team was able to right the ship in Saturday’s 101-89 victory over the Miami Heat, a crucial win as the team remains one game above Dwyane Wade and company for the three seed in the Eastern Conference.

How did the team arise from its defensive slide? By doing the opposite of all their aforementioned shortcomings in previous games.

The Celtics defended the three-point line with reckless abandonment, forcing the Heat into a tumultuous night from behind the three-point arc, as they made just one of their 13 attempts on the afternoon.

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The likes of big men Jared Sullinger, Amir Johnson, and Tyler Zeller did a magnificent job of sliding inside the lane and denying Wade and Goran Dragic. They accomplished this without committing an overwhelming amount of fouls, as Miami shot just 23 free-throws, making 16, compared with the Minnesota Timberwolves 40 free-throw attempts in their 124-122 win over Boston earlier this week.

In addition, the Celtics’ trademarked turnover-inducing pressure was in full force against the Heat. Boston forced 18 turnovers, compared to the 11 of their own. Small forward Jae Crowder garnered five steals and Sullinger recorded two of his own, as the Celtics stole the rock from Miami on 12 separate occasions.

For Boston, the defense truly feeds the offense, a fast-break reliant attack which can obliterate an opposing defense if turnovers are forced on the other end. However, despite the impressive effort, the defensive rebounding left something to be desired for Boston.

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Yes, Miami does have glass-eater Hassan Whiteside, who snatched four offensive rebounds. But a 54-48 disadvantage on the glass and a 72 percent defensive rebounding percentage is unacceptable for a team that wishes to make a deep postseason run.