The NBA has a plethora of stats, ranging from traditional stats to advanced analytics. As a result, each team and player has intriguing stats relating to them. These stats can often reflect what the eye test and watching games show us. Alternatively, these stats can show us something new that differs from what we watch. Regardless stats always show intriguing and interesting information. With that being said here are five intriguing Boston Celtics stats this year.
4 Intriguing Boston Celtics Stats This Season
First In 3-Point Frequency and Last 2-Point Frequency
One of the major talking points for the Celtics this season has been the amount of three-pointers they take. The Celtics have built their offense around elite shooting and floor spacing. However, many argue this over-emphasis on three-point shots is a clear weakness. The stats perfectly highlight Boston’s focus on the deep ball. The Celtics’ 52% 2-point frequency ranks dead last while their 47% 3-point frequency ranks first. In my eyes, the Celtics offense could use a little more shot diversity to make them less predictable. Notably, the Celtics rank 26th in shots at the rim per game. The Celtics’ roster consists of elite finishers so attacking the rim more would fit the team’s personnel. Ultimately, these stats tell us a lot about the Celtics’ identity and playstyle.
Top Three Leaders In Net Rating
Amazingly the top three leaders in net rating this season are all Celtics players. Net rating is a stat that measures point differential per 100 possessions for both teams and individuals. Derrick White’s 13.7 net rating leads the way followed by Kristaps Porzingis and Payton Pritchard tied with a 12.2 net rating. This level of efficiency is absurd and a testament to the Celtics dominance. Furthermore, the Celtics team net rating of 10.3 also leads the league. Notably, Jayson Tatum and Al Horford are also above the team mark of 10.3 Tatum’s 11.6 ranks him sixth league-wide.
Rebounds Per Game
Rebounding isn’t the first thing most people associate with the Celtics. However, they remain elite at it. Leading the league with 47.4 rebounds per game. This is in large part due to the Celtics’ overall excellence. Everyone in the starting lineup is a high-level rebounder. Impressively five out of the Celtics’ top six players average at least five rebounds a game. With Tatum leading the way with 8.4 rebounds per game. Jrue Holiday is an elite rebounding guard averaging 6.2 rebounds per game, the fourth-highest among all guards. Porzingis and Horford are quality rebounding big men. Ultimately, the Celtics’ excellence at each position allows them to lead the league in rebounding.
Important Clutch Time Stats
One of the major talk points around the Celtics season has been their ability to close games. Many people argue that late-game breakdowns could be the downfall of this team. Clutch time stats measure both the team’s and the player’s effectiveness in the five minutes of games within five points. Here are some of the Celtics’ most important clutch time stats. Let’s see if they reflect this concern.
61 Win % (6th in the league)
10.6 Clutch Points Per Game (7th in the league)
3.0 Three-Point Attempts (6th in the league)
37% Three-Point Percentage (6th in the league)
1.9 Assists (6th in the league)
124 Offensive Rating (6th in the league)
105 Defensive Rating (10th in the league)
18.7 Net Rating (5th in the league)
These stats show that the Celtics are an above-average clutch-time team. While the Celtics take small steps back in most stats remaining in the top-10 is impressive. Remaining within the top 10 in this many stats proves the Celtics’ clutch time issues can be overcome. Furthermore, the stats show the Celtics aren’t overshooting three-point shots and are still moving the ball well in the clutch. Nevertheless, eight out of the Celtics’ ten losses have come in clutch time games. With losses such to the Nuggets and Warriors highlighting some of the Celtics’ late-game offensive breakdowns. However, the stats show the Celtics are an overall effective clutch-time team. Ultimately, the Celtics’ clutch time numbers and ability to close games will be something to follow throughout the season.
