The Boston Celtics own the NBA's top-ranked defense, force TO's at historic rate

[rondohondo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb0IEnNwZBE

can't wait to add studs in the draft and free agency to it 

[rondohondo]

how do you embed vids by the way?

[max215]

It's unreal. The defense is just suffocating. They keep it close all game, we wait for someone to get hot and go on a run, and then enjoy a 15 point lead.

[Celtics17]

I haven't been able to see a game yet. Will someone please explain the reason that we have the top ranked D in the league? Is it Smart and Crowder? Is this one of those things that Smart is a big part of that just doesnt show up in the stat columns or who is responsible for it?

[MJohnnyboy]

I haven't been able to see a game yet. Will someone please explain the reason that we have the top ranked D in the league? Is it Smart and Crowder? Is this one of those things that Smart is a big part of that just doesnt show up in the stat columns or who is responsible for it?

The most notable defenders are Smart and Crowder. Crowder I believe leads the league in steals and Smart is just a menace to anyone he covers. Then of course there's Bradley keeping up the pace off the bench. Those three are the biggest reason why the Celtics defense is one of the league's best.

The underrated contributor is Amir. I think he's the glue of the defense because if there's one thing the Celtics desperately needed after KG left, it was a rim protector, and he fills the void seamlessly. What a find by Danny.

That and everyone just looks more committed to D this year than last. Sullinger, Olynyk, Turner, and even Thomas look better on D than they did in April. I would include Jerebko but he was already a good defender. Lee isn't great but I can see the commitment.

The scariest part is, this team is still just scratching the surface on its potential. I didn't think it was possible before, but by the end of the season, I expect the Celtics to be one of the best teams in the east.

[Ilikesports17]

Everyone knew Amir, crowder, smart and AB were gonna be great defensively but it's been the underrated improvement on D from Kelly Sully and Isaiah that I didn't see coming that has helped us make this leap.

Kelly is always getting his hand on balls sully is on every loose ball and Isaiah is always in the passing lane.

[Ogaju]

we have a rim protector now, Amir Johnson, and we have a paint protector, Jared Sullinger. The perimeter defense of Crowder, Smart, Bradley is suffocating. When the rooks come in - RJH and Rozier are both pesky (Rozier with his quickness and RJ with his length), when you add all this to the depth and the youth, this team just keeps coming at you. There is no rest. The offense is scoring points and this motivates them to step up the defense.

It is really a beautiful thing to watch.

[Csfan1984]

Team is very aggressive. I don't know for sure but it's probably in the top five for fouls.

[AngryAndIrritable]

Team is very aggressive. I don't know for sure but it's probably in the top five for fouls.

With our depth, we can live with that.

[LarBrd33]

Their defense has been unbelievable.  I'm not sure I've seen a more relentless defense than the one that got McHale fired.   I still think we might need a more formidable rim protector with size (Noah?) and a go-to scorer, but we look like a legit playoff team.  I think we are right on pace to win about 45 this year... But all bets are off if Ainge starts wheeling and dealing.

[mctyson]

I haven't been able to see a game yet. Will someone please explain the reason that we have the top ranked D in the league? Is it Smart and Crowder? Is this one of those things that Smart is a big part of that just doesnt show up in the stat columns or who is responsible for it?

We have the best defensive backcourt (Smart, Bradley, Crowder) in the NBA.  Those 3 are legitimate All-NBA defensive talent on their own.  Together they are amazing. 

[JSD]

Ange built a money ball team around perimeter and guard play defense.

[mctyson]

Ange built a money ball team around perimeter and guard play defense.

Absolutely correct.  People freaked about the Rozier pick at 16...well guess what? He fits perfectly into what this team is trying to do.

The best players in the league right now are perimeter guys.  We have some of the best defenders of those positions.

[hwangjini_1]

and, something i never, ever, ever, ever thought would happen is that advanced stats olly show that he is very good on defense.

olly has the highest defensive rating and highest net defensive rating in the NBA right now. 

http://chowderandchampions.com/2015/11/12/boston-celtics-kelly-olynyk-defensive-clinic/

[mgent]

How much longer before people are forced to admit KO is a good defender?

How much longer before people are forced to admit Crowder is approaching Iguodala/Leonard territory?