Five key statistics that shape the current season of the Celtics

As we navigate through the thrilling ups and downs of the NBA season, the Boston Celtics have carved out an impressive record, currently leading the pack at 15-5. But the path to this point has been far from smooth, with some inconsistent performances drawing

fans’ ire. To gain perspective on the Celtics' roller-coaster start to the season, we delve into five crucial statistics that provide a deeper understanding of the team's current performance.

A 9-4 Record in Matches Decided by a Margin of 10 Points or Less

In the world of professional basketball, every point matters. This season, the Celtics have demonstrated their ability to manage high-pressure situations and come out triumphant. They've secured nine victories out of 13 games decided by a margin of just 10 points or less.

These results underscore the team's grit and resilience when the game hangs in the balance. However, these narrow victories also highlight a potential area of concern - the team's inconsistent performance leading to close scorelines. But for now, their ability to clinch victories in these nail-biting finishes is a testament to their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure.

The Celtics Lead the League in 3-Point Attempts per Game

The Boston Celtics have been making waves this season with their heavy reliance on 3-pointers. As of Dec. 4, they lead the NBA with an average of 42.8 three-point attempts per game. This strategy has yielded a solid success rate, with the team ranking second in the league for 3-pointers made per game at 15.6, though their percentage efficiency stands at a middle-of-the-pack 15th place at 36.5%.

This is a slight drop from the previous season where they attempted 42.6 three’s per game, made 16 a night, and shot at 37.7 percent. Coach Joe Mazzulla clearly has a strategic vision, and while the Celtics are delivering on volume, there's room for improvement in their accuracy. The challenge moving forward will be to increase their percentage scoring from beyond the arc. Players like Sam Hauser and Derrick White are setting the pace, but it's a team effort. The question is, who else will step up to the three-point line and help push the percentage higher?

Ranking Second in the NBA, Celtics Average 47.1 Rebounds per Game

Rebounding is a crucial aspect of the game, reflecting not only the team's defensive toughness but also their offensive potential in creating second-chance points. On this front, the Celtics have proven to be a formidable force, ranking second in the NBA with an average of 47.5 rebounds per game. This impressive statistic is not solely a testament to the team's big men.

Beyond the contributions of towering figures like Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics' rebounding success is largely a product of concerted team effort. Jayson Tatum leads the pack with an average of 8.9 rebounds per game, demonstrating exceptional performance in this critical area. Guard Jrue Holiday is also making his presence felt on the boards, averaging 7.2 rebounds per game, while other key contributors include Porzingis (6.7), Al Horford (6.6), Jaylen Brown (5.2), and Derrick White (3.9). All these figures confirm that the Celtics' rebounding prowess is very much a shared responsibility, demonstrating their collective commitment to dominating the paint.

The Celtics are Positioned at No. 22 in Pace with a Score of 98.66

The Celtics have shown a less aggressive approach in the current season, ranking 22nd in the NBA for their pace with a score of 98.66 (as of Dec. 4). In basketball, 'pace' refers to the number of possessions a team has per 48 minutes. A higher pace indicates a faster, more offense-orientated style of play, while a lower pace suggests a more deliberate, defensive approach.

The Celtics' lower pace is reflective of their current strategic approach, which is seemingly more geared towards a defensive style of game. This technique, however, is a double-edged sword. While it may help in maintaining control and lowering the risk of turnovers, it also reduces the team's opportunities for fast break points, an area where the Celtics currently rank 16th, and points off turnovers, where they are 20th.

A potential future strategy could be to increase the team's pace to create more scoring opportunities, perhaps adopting the philosophy of Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn: "Run, run, then run some more."

Jayson Tatum: The All-Around Star

Tatum's performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional, establishing him as a cornerstone of the Celtics' roster. Not only is he averaging a whopping 27.6 points per game, but he's also been a dominant force on the boards with 8.9 rebounds. His distribution has also been excellent, racking up an average of 4.2 assists per game.

Perhaps most impressively, he has maintained shooting splits of 49/36/80, a rare feat demonstrating his proficiency in both 2-point and 3-point field goals, as well as free throws. Among the top 10 NBA scorers, only three others — Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic — are averaging 8.5 rebounds. But none of them can match Tatum's 36 percent shooting from the 3-point line.

His unique ability to contribute both inside and outside the arc, while also involving his teammates, showcases his game’s versatility. These remarkable statistics solidify Tatum's position in MVP discussions, with the Celtics' star currently holding the fourth-best odds, trailing only Jokic, Embiid, and Luka Doncic. As we move further into the season, Tatum's continued excellence will be pivotal in determining the Celtics' fortunes.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Celtics have shown significant promise this season with their ability to clinch tight victories, their heavy reliance on 3-pointers, impressive rebounding stats, and Jayson Tatum's standout performance. However, areas such as 3-point accuracy, pace, and overall consistency present room for improvement. The team's trajectory hinges on their ability to address these areas and capitalize on their strengths.

If you want to capitalize on the Celtics and other top-performing NBA teams, be sure to check out FanDuel NBA teams and their constantly updated stats, odds, and player analysis. Stay ahead of the game and make informed decisions as you watch your favorite teams battle it out on the court.