5 Advantages Celtics have over every other East team

The Celtics are the best team in the Eastern Conference in these areas. 
Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis
Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis / Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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3. 3-point shooting

The Celtics are not the most efficient 3-point shooting team, but nobody takes or makes more. They attempt 2.2 more triples per game than the second-ranked Mavericks and have a 1.1 edge in makes. Boston is ninth in the NBA in percentage, which is fueled by outstanding catch-and-shoot numbers.

The Celtics take 28 catch-and-shoot triples per game. That is the best mark in the Eastern Conference, but just fifth in the NBA. They make those attempts at a conference-best 39.4 percent. Kicking out to shooter is a massive part of their attack and those attempts keep going down.

The Cs take the most open 3-point attempts in the league too at 17.2 per game. It results in a league-best 6.5 makes each night. Boston has a ton of weapons, and the defense cannot guard them all. When they help off someone, a teammate becomes open and makes them pay.

The Boston Celtics will attempt a ton of 3-pointers in the playoffs, which could turn into a massive advantage depending on the matchup. The Mavs reached the conference finals in 2022 with the help of a significant 3-point shooting edge over the Suns. Phoenix wanted mid-range twos, and Dallas made them pay by hitting triples. Boston could have a similar advantage over the Heat and 76ers in this year’s postseason.