Celtics are the NBA's top defensive team


If you're an avid follower of our beloved Boston Celtics, then you already know our offense this season has left much to be desired, with the exception of last night's second half, of course.

Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving haven't been hitting the three ball like normal. Jaylen Brown has been struggling in just about every facet of his offensive game. The list goes on. Dudes just haven't been able to draw iron.

The good news is, however, regardless of how horrific they've been in the plus category, the Celtics have been consistently flexing their muscles on the minus (i.e. defensive) end. Hell, if you can't put the rock in the hole, you better be able to defend, right?

So, how do the Celtics rank defensively in the league? Yes, we know it's early, but still. The answer, as you may have guessed, is plum at the top. And, as of now, it's not really close at all.
Defense is the only reason we didn't get blown out by Toronto. The only reason we only lost by three to Orlando, and really the only reason the Thunder's 16-point lead was erased, as opposed to ballooning to unreachable proportions.

Are we really surprised though? According to NBA.com, 3 out of the Top 5 players in Defensive Win Shares are Celtics: Jayson Tatum (#1), Terry Rozier III (#2), Marcus Smart (#4). Aron Baynes makes the list at #14, while the rest of the gang hover anywhere between 50-70.
The key for the Celtics moving forward is having their offense catch up to their defense. And after their 40-point effort in the third quarter last night, followed by a 15-1 run to end the game and snatch the much-needed "W" from the Oklahoma City Thunder, here's hoping the Celtics have turned that corner.

They'll need that league-leading defense -- and the offense to boot -- when they face the (clears throat) undefeated Detroit Pistons tomorrow in Motor City.

Follow Edward Babaian on Twitter: @bojixbabaian

Photo Credit: Fox Sports

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