As we dive into the 2025-26 NBA season, the Boston Celtics have defied expectations. Initially pegged as a team likely to take a step back, the Celtics have instead surged to a 37-19 record, holding the second-best spot in the East and boasting the fourth-best record overall in the league. Remarkably, they've achieved this without key players like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kornet, Al Horford, and notably, Jayson Tatum, last season's fourth-place finisher in MVP voting.
The mastermind behind this impressive run is head coach Joe Mazzulla. Since stepping in as interim head coach in 2022, Mazzulla has proven his strategic prowess, culminating in a championship win in 2024.
His approach, deeply rooted in analytics, has transformed the Celtics into an offensive juggernaut. Under Mazzulla, Boston has consistently ranked at the top in points scored per 100 possessions, with three of the ten best offensive ratings in NBA history to their name.
So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s all about valuing possessions.
The Celtics have consistently been among the league leaders in three-point attempts, but it’s their efficiency and execution that set them apart. They slow the pace, limit turnovers, and dominate the offensive boards, maximizing every opportunity.
This season, Boston ranks fifth in offensive rebounding percentage, snagging over 33% of their missed shots. Centers Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are both top 30 in offensive rebounds, highlighting their tenacity on the glass. Additionally, the Celtics maintain the second-best turnover percentage in the league, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In essence, the Celtics have crafted a winning formula that combines precision, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of efficiency. It's a strategy that not only keeps them competitive but makes them a formidable force in the NBA landscape.