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Boston Celtics: 3 things Cs fans should be thankful for

By Dallas Malloy

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Marcus Smart #36, Jayson Tatum #0, and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Marcus Smart #36, Jayson Tatum #0, and Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Thing Boston Celtics fans should be thankful for No. 2) Defense

The Boston Celtics have been the third-ranked team in the NBA over the last three weeks, and this is largely thanks to having the best defense in the NBA over that span.

This team, since its construction, has always had this sort of potential, for nearly every rotational player has great defensive capabilities.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are two of the better defensive forwards in the NBA while Robert Williams and Al Horford have led the Celtics to be seventh in blocks-per-game, and even have more combined blocks than some teams.

Marcus Smart has been back to his usual self, being sixth in deflections, eighth in defensive-rating amongst starting guards, and is the NBA leader in steals-per-game.

Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder are also plenty capable defenders, and Grant Williams can hold his own when logging some solid minutes in small-ball lineups. Romeo Langford’s calling card has always been his defense, and this all makes for a team that has “best in the league” type of defensive capabilities.

And that is exactly what they have been.

Since the 2-5 start, Boston has held five out of 11 opponents to 90 points or less, which is fairly unheard of in today’s NBA.

Some may think it is a fluke stretch, and that Boston may not finish the season as the best defense in the NBA, but I’d have to disagree.

They have the personnel, they seemingly have the coach, and they have the scheme.

Now, it’s just about keeping the effort consistent, and the rest will fall in place.

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