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5 Reasons Why the Celtics Have What it Takes For a Big Playoff Run

By Jordan Van Beek

Mar 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates with guard Isaiah Thomas (4) after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Boston Celtics defeated the Golden State Warriors 99-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) celebrates with guard Isaiah Thomas (4) after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Boston Celtics defeated the Golden State Warriors 99-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles through the defense of Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and guard Terry Rozier (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles through the defense of Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and guard Terry Rozier (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Shutdown Defense

While the Celtics were without Bradley for most of the season, they lacked defensively, especially when it came to guarding the league’s top guards like Derozan (scoring 84 the last 2 times he played against Boston), John Wall, Kyrie Irving, etc.. Even with the early struggles defensively, the Celtics have put themselves in the top 10 in defensive rating and now have the ability to shut down the league’s best guards.

Danny Ainge spoke with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich about what the Celtics mindset should be as they get closer to the playoffs:

"There are a lot of different ways to win games, but defense has to be our identity"

Boston since the All-Star break have been outstanding on both end of the floor:

The Celtics’ tenacious defense will be key in their playoff run and will be a great advantage over most of the teams they could face in this year’s playoffs.

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