When this season first began, the Boston Celtics were near unrecognizable from the team we saw on the hardwood a year ago. And while they still look vastly different, they've gotten back to their winning ways for one big reason: a shift in their defensive game plan.
The Celtics have looked far more connected and disciplined in recent weeks on the defensive side of things. Joe Mazzulla has had Jaylen Brown taking on tougher matchups, implemented more structured support behind the point of attack, and helped streamline his team's help-and-recover system.
The biggest difference is how intentional they now look on every possession. Earlier in the year, Boston was giving up easy downhill drives and allowing teams to get deep into the paint before help arrived. That's now changed noticeably. Their rotations have been sharper and the level of pressure on the ball has improved because Brown has embraced far more responsibility at the point of attack. The entire structure behind him looks more organized as well.
Part of this turnaround stems from the Celtics leaning into a more collective style of defense. Emphasizing early help and becoming more disciplined in recovery habits has paid dividends, and those principles now show up in nearly every possession. It's what's turned turned a shaky start into something much closer to the identity that made this group champions two years ago.
The Celtics' defensive changes have helped right the ship
There's also a clear coaching element to this surge. Mazzulla has talked repeatedly about accountability and trust, and that's coming to light on the court. Players are now rotating for each other without second-guessing, and there's far less confusion in scramble situations than there was in the opening weeks.
When you watch the Celtics now, you see a team that's controlling the pace of the game. They're cutting off driving lanes early and recovering to shooters with far more urgency. Even without Jayson Tatum on the court, they've found answers by relying on structure and effort rather than individual gambles.
Changing up the defensive philosophy was just what this team needed. It wasn't done in a way that casual fans might notice, but it's the foundation of a sustainable identity. The Celtics finally look like a group that understands how connected they need to be given their personnel.
And now that the defense has tightened in this way, the offense has a much clearer path forward. This version of Boston can control the tempo and trust its structure when games get chaotic. For a team that looked lost at the start of the season, the defensive shift has allowed them to carve out the identity of a true contender once again.