Boston Celtics: Why They Can Still Make One Last Run at a Title

The Boston Celtics have been showing something lately—namely that they aren't ready to agree that the window has been shut on their championship chances. They've won eight of their last nine games and they've been playing like they mean business. 

Most importantly, the championship defense that they've had in the past has reared up again. Over the last nine games, the Celtics' defense has been stifling. They've held their opponents to just 81.2 points per game, while allowing an effective field goal percentage of just .402 from the field over that span.

The Celtics defense is what has carried them to the NBA Finals in the past, but the other thing they've done well is shoot. When you have a 120-point edge in eFG percentage, you're going to win a lot of games. 

The Celtics are back to doing what wins them games: getting good shots and making them, while forcing opponents into bad shots and misses. 

Additionally, it seems as though two of their original big three have visited the fountain of youth.

Ray Allen is shooting threes at a ridiculous .543 clip, and he is enjoying an almost unsportsmanlike true shooting percentage of .659. Per game, Paul Pierce is averaging 18.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and the same number of assists. 

After a miserable start, this team is really getting things back on track and is looking like the third-best team in the East. 

Their championship experience combined with the way they are playing right now makes this is a team that could very much compete for an NBA title.