This isn't really a statistical or analytical statement, but also watching these last few rounds of the postseason kind of drives home the fact that you also need toughness and grit.
I know these guys won it all in 2024 and have had some deep playoff runs, but sometimes I watch these teams make big runs or comebacks and wonder if this team is capable of doing that. Idk, like the team will go up 20 and blow the lead, but if the opposite happens to them can the Celtics do the same and come back or would they just chuck up 3s and die badly trying? More likely they'd do the latter, and probably start complaining or getting frustrated.
I do think this team is a bit on the softer end. Still love the Jays and most of the team, but adding some grit/toughness would also help. Holiday was that guy. So was Smart in the past. Even Porzingis when healthy had a little edge out there and was talented to dominate. Again, talent is the first priority but having some tough guys and enforcers help too. A lot of the West teams have it, and while it may not seem like it on paper, the Knicks also have guys who are tough, battle-tested and can enforce as needed. I'm not sure the Celtics or even the Cavaliers have it. The Pistons do, but they are inexperienced and haven't been there often so they lost in the second round.