Clark: The D is the key for this Celtics’ team
Many fans will look at a lineup consisting of 3 players with career averages over 20 points per game and assume that Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce are overwhelming opponents with a barrage of scoring. Wrong. The Celtics have the best record in basketball because they boast the league’s best defense.
Don’t take my word for it. Believe the numbers. Compare last year’s 24-win stats to this year’s version: The 2006-07 Celtics finished with 95.8 points per game, good for 22nd in the league. You would expect that kind of team to finish near the bottom of a 30-team league. Entering last night’s game with the Wizards, this year’s team has improved from that mark, up to 98.7 points per game — but that is only good for 12th in the league (behind teams like the Grizzlies and Pacers). On the other hand, Boston was currently first in the league in opponents’ scoring average (87.1), up from 18th last year (99.2).
So how are they doing it?
The biggest reason is Kevin Garnett. The Big Ticket is famous for being a dynamic all-around offensive player, but he’s also considered one of the game’s great players because of his dominating defense. He has been named to the All-Defensive team eight times (and is on his way to a ninth berth this year). He has the length to defend centers (like when he shut down Yao Ming late in a recent win over the Rockets) and the quickness to defend guards (typically on pick and rolls).
Still, to fully grasp the effect of KG on the Celtics defense, you must go beyond the numbers and technical analysis. Garnett has an emotional gravitational pull that imposes its will upon all the celestial objects around him. His intensity is contagious and addictive. All you have to do is look at his teammates and you’ll see his trademark snarl reflected in their faces.
Another reason is new assistant coach and defensive guru Tom Thibodeau. He has gotten every player to buy into the defensive system that has made every team he’s been part of one of the best defending teams in the league. Most of the current Celtics are playing the best defense of their careers. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have never been known as great defenders, but this year they are busting their butts to beat their man to spots and making the extra effort. They trust their teammates to be in position to back them up and stifle ball movement.
It helps to have three All-Star scorers, but the real reason why the Celtics have their eyes on winning the NBA title is because of their elite defense.
Jeff Clark is the founder and lead writer of celticsblog.com. He can be reached at 
