Through 20 games, the Boston Celtics are starting to find their rhythm, sitting at 11-9 and holding the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. It’s been a tale of two stretches-Boston stumbled out of the gate at 4-6, but has since gone 7-3, showing signs of a team learning how to win in different ways.
Let’s start with what’s working-and what still needs work.
Derrick White: Defensive Anchor, Offensive Struggles
Derrick White continues to be one of the Celtics’ most impactful defenders, averaging 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game-elite numbers for a guard. His instincts, timing, and ability to disrupt passing lanes remain top-tier.
But on the other end of the floor, it's been a rough go. White is shooting just 36% from the field and 31% from deep, and his offensive inconsistency has added to the Celtics’ broader issues on that side of the ball.
When your starting guard can’t find a rhythm, it puts pressure on the rest of the rotation-and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
Bench Boost: Simons and Pritchard Step Up
Anfernee Simons has quietly turned the corner after a shaky start. He’s now averaging 13 points per game while shooting an efficient 48% from the field and 43% from three. He’s become a reliable scoring option off the bench, helping stabilize second units that were previously struggling to generate offense.
Payton Pritchard, meanwhile, is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He’s averaging 18 points per game on 47% shooting overall and hitting 41% from beyond the arc.
With White’s offensive game faltering, Pritchard has stepped into a larger role and answered the call. His ability to push the pace, knock down shots, and bring energy has made a noticeable impact.
Neemias Queta: The Defensive Difference-Maker
Neemias Queta might not be a household name yet, but his presence is being felt in a big way. On the glass, he’s pulling down three offensive rebounds per game, creating second-chance opportunities that have been vital for a team still finding its offensive identity.
But it’s on defense where Queta’s value really shines. The numbers are telling: opponents have a staggering 123.7 offensive rating when he’s off the floor-compared to just 106.1 when he’s on it.
That’s not a small swing; that’s the difference between being one of the worst defenses in the league and a top-tier unit. Queta’s rim protection and physicality have helped anchor a defense that’s been the Celtics’ saving grace during stretches of offensive inconsistency.
Minott and Walsh: Emerging Role Players
Josh Minott was one of the early surprises this season, earning a spot in the starting lineup. While he’s since returned to the bench, he continues to contribute with hustle plays, timely shooting, and energy that doesn’t always show up in the box score. His minutes have been streaky, but he’s carved out a role as a high-motor spark plug.
In the last 10 games, it’s been Jordan Walsh who’s made the leap. Now a starter in each of the past eight games, Walsh has brought defensive tenacity and has proven to be a capable finisher-both at the rim and from distance. His emergence adds another layer to Boston’s rotation, giving them a young, versatile wing who can impact the game without needing the ball in his hands.
Jaylen Brown: The Offensive Engine
Jaylen Brown continues to do what stars are supposed to do: carry the load. He’s averaging 28 points per game and has been the heartbeat of the Celtics’ offense.
While his efficiency has dipped after a red-hot start, Brown remains Boston’s go-to scorer. Whether it’s attacking the rim, pulling up from midrange, or spacing the floor, he’s been the one constant in an offense still trying to find its full stride.
What’s Driving the Recent Surge?
The Celtics have made real strides in two key areas: offensive rebounding and three-point shooting. Over the past 10 games, they’ve climbed from 24th to 18th in three-point percentage. That improvement may not sound massive, but given the volume of threes Boston takes, even incremental gains make a big difference.
Offensive rebounding has also become a strength-they now rank 7th in the league. That’s thanks in large part to the efforts of Queta, Walsh, and Minott, who’ve embraced the dirty work and given Boston more second-chance opportunities. Those extra possessions are crucial for a team still ironing out its offensive kinks.
The Bigger Picture
Through 20 games, the Celtics have been unpredictable-beating playoff-caliber teams one night and dropping games to lottery squads the next. Their offense remains a work in progress, especially in crunch time, where execution has been hit-or-miss. But their defense is keeping them in games, and the emergence of role players like Queta, Walsh, Simons, and Pritchard is giving this team a much-needed jolt.
If they can tighten up the late-game offense and continue to get contributions from their bench, the Celtics could be more than just a fringe playoff team. The pieces are starting to fall into place-it’s just a matter of whether they can put it all together consistently.