Defensive improvement (stats last 10 games since the Chicago meltdown)

[RodyTur10]

After a bad start by the Celtics they're now +.500 and 7-3 over their last 10 games.
Where the Celtics haven't excelled during that stretch is offensively (scoring, shooting, assists, turnovers), although we're definitely seeing improvement in that area as well. But what does stick out are some very impressive defensive stats by the Celtics over their last 10 games:

Def. Rating 101.6 (3rd), Def. FG% 42.1 (4th), Def. Reb % 75.9 (2nd), Personal Fouls 15.5 (3rd), 2nd Chance Pts 10.4 (3rd), Fast Break Pts 9.0 (4th) and Paint Pts 37.8 (1st).

Seems like Udoka might be the defensive emphasized coach as advertised.

Edit: changed the title

[pokeKingCurtis]

Forgive me for sounding stupid

2nd chance points scored by the Celtics right

Not just defense. Hustle stats are up.

[RodyTur10]

Forgive me for sounding stupid

2nd chance points scored by the Celtics right

Not just defense. Hustle stats are up.

No, opponents 2nd chance points is 10.4 which is 4th best in the league.

The Celtics score just 11.9 2nd chance points (21st in the league), however that is a positive margin.

[Celtics2021]

I think it’s worth noting that the last 10 games started immediately after the meltdown vs. Chicago and the public sniping that followed.  Recall that in the 4th quarter of that game, the Bulls scored every possession in which they took a shot, as the C’s had 0 defensive rebounds.

[#1P4P]

This is the defense I expected before the season. Stevens built a roster in which the majority of players are above average at multiple positions individually and in the team concept, inside and outside.

There’s no weak link to attack and few easy buckets. They’re showing now that the team has the depth and toughness to lose key players and still thrive.

This isn’t even the best version of this defense, we’re only getting glimpses. Hopefully, once the playoffs come around, we’ll have the consistency to keep it up, the savvy to know when to turn it up, and the knowledge to make it seamless. Once that happens and we understand how to close games, the league is on notice.