NBA Midseason Check-In: Celtics Surging, Pistons Legit, and Suns Defying Expectations
As we hit the midpoint of the NBA season, a few teams are rewriting the script - and doing it in convincing fashion. Whether it’s the Celtics overcoming injuries, the Pistons emerging as a defensive juggernaut, or the Suns thriving with grit over glitz, these squads are turning heads for all the right reasons. Let’s break it down.
Celtics: More Than Just Staying Afloat - They’re Dominating
Let’s start with Boston. If you told most fans the Celtics would be missing Jayson Tatum for a stretch due to an Achilles issue and still post the third-best point differential in the league by midseason, you’d get some raised eyebrows. But here they are - not just surviving, but thriving.
Jaylen Brown has stepped into the spotlight and then some. Averaging 29.7 points per game, he’s not just filling the scoring void - he’s owning it. This is the version of Brown Celtics fans have hoped for: assertive, efficient, and carrying the offensive load like a true No. 1 option.
Meanwhile, the supporting cast has been remarkably steady. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have been ironmen, barely missing any time and providing the kind of backcourt consistency that championship teams rely on.
Down low, Neemias Queta has quietly brought stability after Boston hit the reset button at center - no small feat in a conference loaded with elite bigs. And don’t overlook rookie Jordan Walsh, who’s stepped into a larger role with poise well beyond his years.
At the helm, Joe Mazzulla deserves serious credit. Managing egos, rotations, and expectations is no easy task in Boston, but he’s kept this group focused and hungry. If the Coach of the Year conversation is happening, Mazzulla’s name needs to be in bold.
Pistons: Early-Season Surge Wasn’t a Fluke
Detroit’s 13-game heater earlier in the season may have felt like a surprise, but here’s the thing - this isn’t smoke and mirrors. The Pistons are sitting atop the Eastern Conference, powered by a top-two defense and a maturing offensive identity that’s starting to click.
Cade Cunningham? He’s not just living up to the hype - he’s playing his way into the MVP conversation. The former No. 1 pick has taken full command of this team, blending scoring, playmaking, and leadership in a way that’s impossible to ignore.
Jalen Duren, meanwhile, looks like an All-Star in the making. He’s anchoring the paint with physicality and presence, giving Detroit the kind of interior force that sets the tone on both ends.
And head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has this team defending with purpose, using their size and length to smother opponents.
Even losing Malik Beasley - a key scoring threat - hasn’t thrown them off course. That’s the mark of a team with depth, resilience, and a clear identity. Bottom line: the Pistons are for real.
Suns: No Stars, No Problem
Let’s be honest - most people didn’t see this coming from Phoenix. After moving on from big-name talent, the Suns looked like a team in transition. But instead of crumbling, they’ve leaned into toughness, and it’s paying off.
This group is built around grit. Dillon Brooks has brought his trademark edge, and the Suns are forcing turnovers, grinding out possessions, and competing every single night. The offense hasn’t fallen off nearly as much as expected, and that’s been key to keeping them in the thick of things.
One of the biggest surprises? Collin Gillespie.
The young guard has emerged as a steady hand at the point, earning the nickname “Villain Jr.” for his fearless, scrappy style of play. He’s giving Phoenix exactly what they need - control, confidence, and a little attitude.
And on the sidelines, rookie head coach Jordan Ott is looking like a long-term answer. After years of coaching turnover, the Suns might finally have their guy. He’s got this team locked in, and the results speak for themselves.
Credit where it’s due - team owner Mat Ishbia took a gamble on a new identity, and so far, it’s working.
Final Word
We’re only halfway through the season, but these three teams have already flipped expectations on their heads. The Celtics are deep, disciplined, and dangerous.
The Pistons are young, hungry, and defending like veterans. And the Suns?
They’ve traded star power for substance - and it’s working.
There’s still a long road ahead, but if the first half is any indication, these squads aren’t just hot - they’re built to last.