I've been trying to write what it is about the Celtics that gives them a superior rating against other NBA teams.
Often, the rating process leans heavily on "surface" stats and then, the number of star players.
The Celtics create the following challenge for opposing defenses:
Too many options. You collapse on one? He has two legit, big moment scorers waiting for the ball. This was evident last night, when midway through the third quarter the Hornets just ran out of answers.
Each night, one of the big three can carry a quarter or a half. These players rarely (they do from time to time) watch one of the others "go off." There's a pretty well choreographed "distribution" that goes on between the three. Tatum's passing here also, has improved.
These Celtics don't get trapped chucking threes. Kemba will never have Kyrie's or IT's brilliant driving ability, but, he makes up for it in a dozen ways. The big three go inside quickly and effectively.
The Celtics use their bigs pretty well on offense and it integrates with the "big three's" game very well. Theis, Kanter and Grant look oK, They are not "hurting the team" at either end.
Finally, the Celtic's are a defensive team....3rd in the NBA. this further contributes to their offensive success as the opponent wears down into the fourth quarter.
No jinx here, but the Celtics don't get blown out. They don't collapse. They are very tough late in games.
The bench has looked OK the last 4 games. If they could keep improving?
Lakers have a lot to deal with.
Bucks are deep and have size. I think their bench array is at or near the top of the league.
The Celtics are third. Too much weight was given to losing to an inconsistent 76'ers team on the second night of a back to back.
The Heat really didn't give this Celtics team that much trouble in their last game. I'd put Clips right up there if their best player didn't skip every other game.