The Boston Celtics have long been known for their defensive identity - a team that could lock you down, grind out wins, and make you feel every possession. But this season?
That defensive edge has dulled. Through the early stretch of the year, Boston ranks 18th in defensive rating, giving up 115.1 points per 100 possessions.
That’s a far cry from the suffocating units we’ve seen in recent seasons.
A big reason? The Celtics are thin at the center position, and that lack of interior presence is starting to show.
Since Neemias Queta went down early in the Nov. 23 matchup against the Orlando Magic, head coach Joe Mazzulla has leaned heavily into small-ball lineups with the second unit. Luka Garza, another big body, has been completely out of the rotation.
Without that traditional size off the bench, Boston’s defense has been forced to adapt - and not always successfully.
But while the defense searches for answers, the offense is starting to hum.
Friday night’s 129-116 win over the Miami Heat was a showcase of just how dangerous this Celtics team can be when they push the pace and lean into their offensive firepower. Against one of the league’s better defensive squads, Boston’s speed and execution were the difference.
“It’s easy to see the negative side, but the positive is we just played so much faster on the offensive end,” Mazzulla said postgame. “We created good looks, and we got those.”
That pace wasn’t just about aesthetics - it was tactical. Miami couldn’t switch effectively, couldn’t steer Boston away from the paint, and couldn’t slow down the tempo. That opened the door for the Celtics to play to their strengths: attacking in transition, breaking down mismatches, and creating high-efficiency looks.
“We were able to create a lot of two-on-ones with our speed,” Mazzulla added. “That was the tale in the second half.”
It’s clear the Celtics are still a work in progress. Mazzulla acknowledged that there are “20 possessions” they need to clean up - and he’s right.
This team isn’t a finished product, especially on the defensive end. But the offensive upside is real.
With the scoring talent they have, Boston can run with anyone in the league.
Still, the question remains: can they find the right balance?
Championship teams don’t just score - they defend. And right now, the Celtics are still searching for that equilibrium. Whether it’s Garza getting another look in the rotation or Brad Stevens making a move to bring in another big man, something will need to shift if Boston wants to recapture that two-way dominance.
Until then, expect the Celtics to keep leaning on their speed, spacing, and shot-making. It’s a formula that can win games - and maybe even a few playoff series - but if they want to hang Banner 18, the defense is going to have to catch up.