Previous iterations of the Celtics have continuously found their identity on the defensive end – not through exceptional talent levels, but via an iron will and “in your face” mentality.
In each of the Celtics’ last three wins, the team has battled through adversity, came from behind, and grinded out wins.
That’s encouraging.” Brad Stevens explained after the Celtics’ most impressive comeback to date, a 40-8 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters of a 105-87 thrashing of the Nuggets.
The Celtics are 7-3 in their last ten games, and throughout those contests, Boston has flashed improved ball movement, improved physicality, and a newfound ability to get to the line consistently.
Throughout the last two weeks, Boston’s defense has improved to a top-5 level with a 106.3 defensive rating in their last ten games.
Currently operating on a limited sample size of 64 possessions, when playing alongside Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, the big-man duo has created a finely tuned defensive machine.
Regular season basketball is about finding a rhythm, developing team chemistry, but tangibly, it’s about the standings – and the playoff seeding that comes with a high-placed finish.
Third place in the standings is probably a step too far for the Celtics, as the Milwaukee bucks hold that position by a commanding five-game lead, meaning the Celtics will be shooting for fourth – and it’s an attainable goal.
In their final eighteen games of the regular season, Boston will face east coast competition ten times, with most of those games coming against teams striving for a play-in spot.
There will be a couple of banana skins along the way, games against the Phoenix Suns, and recently strengthened Chicago Bulls should keep the Celtics on their toes.
We’ve got to hold each other accountable,” Kemba Walker responded when asked how the Celtics can continue improving for the final stretch of the regular season.
Luckily, Boston is finding some consistency, an identity, and some health .