Has anyone else noticed that we haven't given up 100 points yet in 2012? The last time we gave up 100+ was the second game of the year against the Heat. The Celtics are the only team in the NBA to go through the last month without giving up 100+ in a game. That's pretty impressive if you ask me.
Further, the team has only given up more than 90 points 5 times since the beginning of January. Granted, these aren't all great teams, but if you can hold opposing teams to around 90 points or less consistently like the Celtics have, it definitely keeps you in any game.
Often times, a team can be a fringe contender just by doing one thing particularly well. I think the Celtics might just fall into that category by having among the best perimeter defense in the NBA this year.