As we go through the exciting ups and downs of the NBA season, the Boston Celtics have put together an impressive record and are currently leading at 15-5.
But the path to this point has been anything but smooth, with some inconsistent performancesthe anger of the fans. To get some perspective on the Celtics’ roller-coaster start to the season, we dive into five crucial statistics that provide deeper insight into the team’s current performance.A 9-4 record in games decided by margins of 10 points or lessIn the world of professional basketball, every point counts. This season, the Celtics have proven that they can handle high-pressure situations and emerge triumphant. They have nine wins in 13 games decided by a margin of just 10 points or less.These results showcase the team’s grit and resilience when the game is on the line. However, these close victories also highlight a potential problem: the team’s inconsistent performance, which leads to close results. But for now, his ability to pull off victories in these thrilling finals is a testament to his tenacity and ability to perform under pressure.The Celtics lead the league with 3 point attempts per gameThe Boston Celtics have turned heads this season with their heavy use of 3-point shots. As of December 4, they led the NBA with an average of 42.8 three-point attempts per game. This strategy has produced a solid success rate, with the team ranking second in the league in three-pointers made per game at 15.6, although their efficiency rate is 15th in the middle of the pack at 36.5%.This is a slight decline from the previous season, when they attempted 42.6 three-pointers per game, making 16 per night and shooting 37.7%. Coach Joe Mazzulla clearly has a strategic vision, and while the Celtics provide volume, there is room to improve their accuracy. The challenge going forward will be to increase their scoring percentage from beyond the arc. Players like Sam Hauser and Derrick White set the tone, but it’s a team effort. The question is who else will reach the three-point mark and help increase the percentage. The Celtics rank second in the NBA with an average of 47.1 rebounds per gameRebounding is a crucial aspect of the game and reflects not only the team’s defensive strength, but also its offensive potential to create second chance points. The Celtics have proven to be a formidable force on this front, ranking second in the NBA with an average of 47.5 rebounds per game. This impressive stat is not just a testament to the great men on the team.Beyond the contributions of notable figures like Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics’ recurring success is largely the result of a collective team effort. Jayson Tatum leads the league with an average of 8.9 rebounds per game, demonstrating exceptional performance in this critical area. Guard Jrue Holiday also makes his presence felt on the board, averaging 7.2 rebounds per game, while other key contributors include Porzingis (6.7), Al Horford (6.6), Jaylen Brown (5.2 ) and Derrick White (3.9). All these numbers confirm that the Celtics’ rebounding ability is a shared responsibility, demonstrating their collective commitment to dominating the court. The Celtics rank 22nd in the league with a rating of 98.66The Celtics have displayed a less aggressive approach this season, ranking 22nd in the NBA in pace with a rating of 98.66 (as of Dec. 4). In basketball, “pace” refers to the number of possessions a team has every 48 minutes. A faster pace indicates a faster, more offensive style of play, while a slower pace suggests a more deliberate, defensive approach.The Celtics’ slower pace reflects their current strategic approach, which seemingly focuses more on a defensive style of play. However, this technique is a double-edged sword. While it can help maintain control and reduce the risk of turnovers, it also reduces the team’s chances on fast break points, an area in which the Celtics currently rank 16th, and on turnover-free points, where rank in 20th place. A potential future strategy could be to increase the team’s pace to create more scoring opportunities, perhaps adopting the philosophy of Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn: “Run, run, then run some more.”Jayson Tatum: The all-around starTatum’s performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional, making him a cornerstone of the Celtics roster. He not only averaged 27.6 points per game, but he was also a dominant force on the boards with 8.9 rebounds. His distribution is also excellent, with an average of 4.2 assists per game. Perhaps most impressive is that he maintained a shooting split of 49/36/80, a rare feat that showcases his prowess on 2- and 3-point baskets, as well as free throws. Among the NBA’s top 10 scorers, only three others – Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic – average 8.5 rebounds. But none of them can match Tatum’s 36% shooting rate from the 3-point line. His unique ability to contribute both inside and outside the arc while engaging his teammates shows the versatility of his game. These remarkable stats solidify Tatum’s standing in the MVP discussions, the Celtics star currently having the fourth best rating, behind Jokic Embiid and Luka Doncic. As we get closer to the season, Tatum’s continued excellence will be crucial in determining the Celtics’ fortunes.Final thoughtsThe Boston Celtics have shown promise this season with their ability to come away with tight wins, their heavy reliance on 3-pointers, impressive rebounding statistics, and Jayson Tatum’s standout performance. However, there is room for improvement in areas such as three-point accuracy, pace and overall consistency. The team’s trajectory depends on its ability to address these areas and capitalize on its strengths.If you want to take advantage of the Celtics and other top-performing NBA teams, be sure to check out FanDuel’s NBA teams and their constantly updated stats, odds and player analysis. Stay one step ahead of the game and make informed decisions as you watch your favorite teams battle it out on the field.
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