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2017 NBA Christmas wish list: What every team ask for this holiday season

By Mason McFee

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 13: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after a three point shot against the Milwaukee Bucks at Smoothie King Center on December 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 13: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after a three point shot against the Milwaukee Bucks at Smoothie King Center on December 13, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 18: Kyrie Irving
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 18: Kyrie Irving /

Boston Celtics: A Consistent Offense 

The Boston Celtics are currently 26-7, good for the second best record in the league, and first in the Eastern Conference. While it’s been talked about ad nauseam that Hayward has been out and Boston still has the record they do, it’s still an impressive feat. What’s even more impressive are these stats:

  • Boston is holding opponents to an average of 98.5 points a game, good for second best in the league
  • Boston is currently averaging 103.8 points per game, ‘good’ for 18th in the league
  • They are currently in the bottom third of the league in pace (95.4 possessions a game, 25th of 30th)

18th and 25th are impressive? Really? Well, no, and that’s what I want to draw attention to. A common question asked in today’s NBA is when a team has a hot start especially after a key player goes down, (in Boston’s case, Hayward) is if they’ve peaked too soon. I’m not saying they have, but Boston is reminding me of Dave Joerger’s Grizzlies. I think that Brad Stevens is a different coach, and has proven he can handle adversity, but there have been few Boston games I’ve watched this year where I’ve been impressed with their offense more than their defense – and that’s not a good thing.

Boston would certainly welcome Hayward’s offense back, but for right now a healthy Marcus Morris or a longer look at Yabusele could be sufficient to help even things out.

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