Three unlikely Boston Celtics players have filled one of the most important defensive roles: Star-stoppers.
BOSTON — These Boston Celtics are rooted in defense. Holding opponents to just 109.2 points per game, the second-best mark in the league, the Celtics have scrapped their way to a 7-7 record to open the year after a summer of change. But even that word—change—doesn’t do it justice: The rotation that won them a championship two seasons ago was gutted.