For an NBA team known historically as a defense-first crew, Boston fans could hardly tell that by the 2-5 start to the Celtics season. Where did the defense go, or was it ever going to be there this season?
— HOOPS EMPIRE (@HoopsEmpire_) November 11, 2021
In the first 7 games, the Celtics went 2-5 while being 25th in defensive rating, at 110.3
Over the last 4 games, the Celtics are 3-1 with a league best 93.9 defensive rating (more than 4 points better than the next best team).
This teams identity is on the defensive end. pic.twitter.com/u5k0Cs5d4Q
We may be seeing a return of the hallowed Boston defense. It is true. Over the last four games, the team is 3-1, with the top Defensive Rating in the League. They are also tops in preventing Second-Chance Points by opposing teams - and fourth in Opponent Points in the Paint.
Since Boston only ranks 16th in Defensive Boards, it can be inferred that their interior defense, aka protecting the paint, has returned - at least for now. It remains to be seen whether the 2021-22 version of The Green resembles the 2-5 group to start the season - or the 3-1 troop, but for now, Celtics Defensive Stalwarts-of-Old (Russ, KC, Cowens, Hondo, Satch, etc.) would be uplifted by those last four contests.
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