The perimeter defense was solid. We knew Rondo could do it, Pierce was a pleasant surprise, and even Ray Allen got good at it as the year wore on. Don’t forget Posey. Eddie House too? Oh my goodness.
No. 1 - Two-point jumpshot % allowed (.356%)
The harassing defense continued into two-point range, as the team learned to defend the pick and roll better and better as the year went on.
#1 - NBA starters' plus/minus
Boston Starters +3514
Next best: Phoenix +2313
This comes from 82games, and it is just ridiculous how much better the Celtics starters were. It is an insane number. Even coaches look at this stat for significance. Granted, the Lakers didn't have their starting five together for the whole season. Remember, the Celtics had two guys who didn’t score much in the starting five to boot, but they sure could defend. Uhmm…..Wow.
Other top stats for the NBA Champion Celtics
No. 2 - Opponents rebounds allowed
38.9 total rebounds
The Celtics took care of the defensive boards. While some feel that offensive rebounding is key, it is really controlling the defensive boards that correlates to winning.
No. 2 - Dunks allowed (239)
Only the Spurs were better (237). That is a meaningful number, considering the players’ penchant for dunks and the psychological impact they can have for both teams. It was tough to get inside on the Celtics and they would give the hard foul before they would give you the dunk. Just ask Perkins, Powe, Brown, and Posey.
No. 2 - Assists allowed (18.8)
It falls in line that a disruptive defense like the Celtics will take other teams out of their offense, causing isolation, hero shots, and quick shots once the offensive set has broken down. The Celtics understood passing lanes well.
No. 3 - Inside points allowed (27.6)
As the year went on, Kendrick improved on jumping out to stop a driver from turning the corner, then getting back to the middle. The same goes for cutting off the baseline. A good defense had an active center. Perkins just got that role down pat. He was terrific.
The helper’s help is just as important. The Celtics help defense was as good as I have ever seen. It shows in this stat. Bear in mind that the Celtics often went with a small line-up, too. This stat would have been even better with KP on the floor a bit more.
And we can’t leave out Kevin Garnett, who is as active a defender for a big as I have ever seen. One of the best at defending the pick and roll, he is a big reason that the other team’s offense often had to freelance because their play broke down.
No. 3 - Assists spread
Boston: 22.4, opp: 18.8 (+3.6)
The Celtics' offense was only 9th in the league in assists, which is a bit surprising. They often looked like they were moving the ball around as well as any team in the league. I do remember times Doc would be frustrated with the quick outside shots. But they were third best in the league in assists versus their opponents overall.
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