Remember when defense was the identity of the Boston Celtics, when on virtually every game day, one could expect the Celtics to play with physicality, focus, and communication on the defensive end?
Yeah, it’s tough for me to remember those days, too. Sigh.
Since Game 2 of their first round series, the Celtics have sported the worst defensive rating of all playoff teams at 122.8. Yes, you read that correctly. The team with Derrick White and Marcus Smart (supposedly the best backcourt defensive duo in the NBA), the Jays (supposedly the best two-way tandem in the NBA), and Robert Williams and Al Horford (supposedly an excellent, versatile defensive front court) has struggled against the Hawks and now the Embiid-less 76ers.