Boston, word to the defense!

For the first time, there is no No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference Finals ???? pic.twitter.com/BJJHjKSjSi

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 12, 2020

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This Boston-Miami poster simply brings together the two best defenses of the Playoffs. With 102.4 pts conceded / match (out of 100 possessions), the C’s are leaders in this dominates and have raised their defensive intensity to a very high level during this post-season. Philadelphia, not sufficiently armed to fight with the absence of Ben Simmons, logically paid the price (4-0). Toronto then broke its teeth, like the 76ers, in the face of the energy and determination of a Green Army that has rarely lived up to its name. Apart from the setback in double overtime in Game 6, the Greens have conceded more than 100 points on one occasion (104 – game 3), limiting the Canadians four times below the 100 units mark.

Smart, leader by example

With a five made up of Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Daniel Theis, it’s hard to identify any real weaknesses in the Celtics squad. On these Playoffs, the men of Brad Stevens are those who allow the weakest general address to their opponents (40.5%) but also three-pts (30.5%). A result obtained by the versatility of the outside Boston since Smart, Tatum and Brown are each able to defend on at least three different positions. The full-back was also named for the second year in a row in the best five defensive end of the League, a sign that in addition to being respected by his opponents, he is also respected by the media.

Decisive in Game 7 against Toronto with his counter on Norman Powell, Marcus Smart is the soul of Boston’s defense. A Celtic soldier who sees himself as “The best defender in the League”. A self-confidence that rubs off on his partners, like Jayson Tatum, who this season has become a very difficult player to overcome in one-on-one. Facing the Heat’s outside shooters (Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder), the Celtics will face the strongest offensive opposition they have had to face in these Playoffs. An NBA Finals, you deserve it!

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