The Celtics have emerged as legitimate contenders. After an ugly start to the season which saw growing pains from rookie head coach Ime Udoka, a shooting slump from Jayson Tatum and underwhelming play from full-time point guard Marcus Smart (among other issues), Boston has finally found its identity:
Lockdown defense.
The Celtics have won 14 of their last 16 games, typically in blowout fashion. That stretch included a 48-point thrashing of the rival 76ers, multiple dominant wins against the Nets, and recent impressive victories against the surging Grizzlies and vs.