Why the Boston Celtics are the Best Team in the NBA
Photo By: ClutchPoints
Between the number of star players, broken records, and raw talent, this NBA season has been unforgettable.
However, there is only one crowned championship winner at the end of every season, and so far, the Celtics are on track to be that team.
Since the beginning of the season, the Celtics emerged in the Eastern Conference as a dominant force. Now, with a 37-12 record, the Cs sit at the top in the NBA in more ways than one. With a 120.5% Offensive Rating, 9.5 Net rating, and a .771 Win Percentage, the team and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla are seen in the media and through the league as one of the best.
NBA stat of the day #369:
— NBA Stats (@sports_mediocre) January 26, 2024
Heading into today there were 124,646 team games with shooting data in NBA history
1 team had ever shot 80% TS
The Celtics just became the 2nd 🤯 pic.twitter.com/fHI7v5C2FT
With Jayston Tatum and Jaylen Brown becoming one of the league's most well-known duos, recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White who has emerged this season at all-star levels, the Celtics are well equipped to handle whatever teams throw at them. The team’s efficiency and hustle shines through on every play. And there is rarely a moment where someone gives up.
Each member seems to fit their own niche.
Tatum and Brown, who are averaging 26.9 and 22.6 points per game, respectively, have become the leaders of the team when on the court. In their first five years together, they led their team to the Eastern Conference Finals three times. Their ability to make plays for not only themselves but for their teammates is a large factor of the team’s success. A great deal of trust plays into this. Not just between JT and JB, but between the duo and the rest of the team as well as with Mazzulla.
Another key piece with this pair is that they understand they are an integral part to each other’s success. Many times, star players hope to have the spotlight for themselves- which is far from the case with the duo.
Jaylen Brown explained "Jayson being the ultimate version of him doesn't stop me from being the ultimate version of myself," and "At this point, we’re a part of each other’s destiny." (Bobby Krivitsky, Sports Illustrated). The pair is set on building their team and bringing them together for the 18th banner.
Photo By: Jim Rassol
When looking at Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, two new pieces for the Celtics, it has become hard to imagine what the team would be like without them. The guard and forward have blended seamlessly onto the team, and have played selflessly.
Holiday, specifically, has carried himself like a role player. Although he was the second best player on the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded, as well as a five-time All-Defensive selection, and a two-time All-Star, his role, skill set and decision making is just what this team needs. In moments Tatum or Brown are not on the court, Holiday steps up in moments on both offense and defense without batting an eye. He knows when to make the extra pass, where to be on defense, and when to take the shot. The selflessness he exudes helps to bond the team, and make them stronger.
Porzingis, who is a pure post player, leads the team in blocks and is able to shut down players that enter the paint. The big man averages 19.4 points per game, as well as 6.9 rebounds. Recently, Tatum has referred to Porzingis as the “missing piece” this team needed. Porzingis’ and his efforts on defense, ability to score in the post and strength have stunned teams along with fans.
When it comes to Derrick White, the guard has become one of the most well-respected members of the team. He is one of the easiest players to root for. Averaging 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and a 1.338 scoring efficiency percentage, he is having one of the best seasons of his career. When he is on the floor, White knows when to take the right shot, or when to make the unselfish play that spreads the floor and gets an easy bucket. White’s ability to make clutch plays of offense in crucial moments further helps to fuel the team. So far this season, he holds a 68.6 percentage in making clutch shots during games. Not only does White’s offense fuel the team, but some may argue he is even more valuable on defense. Among all point guards in the NBA, White averages the most blocks per game with 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals. This has been huge for the Celtics and their ability to establish a defensive rating of 111.9 which ranks third among all teams and second in the East.
Photo By: Michael Dwyer
Not only does this sound starting five get credit for the team’s success, but the C’s bench players have given valuable minutes. Key players including veteran Al Horford, guards Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, and forward Luke Kornet have gained the trust of their teammates. Between Horford’s shooting efficiency as well as defensive hustle and blocks; Hauser’s three-point efficiency; Pritchard’s soundness on offense and ball handling; and Kornet’s defense and ability to score in the paint, the Celtics are well-off when the\ starters are not on the floor.
Skill level on any team is important, but for the Celtics, their success goes beyond. The trust and respect each teammate has for each other has been a leading factor to why they are so good. The team’s ability to fight back in moments where they are losing or need an extra boost of confidence comes from within, and throughout the rest of the season, there is no doubt that the team will continue to remain at the top of the league.
