As we sit here closing out 2020 (thank goodness), the Boston Celtics sit at 3-2 in the eastern conference throughout their first 5 games. There are some high points, which provides us fans with some optimism on what this team is capable of. And there have certainly been lows, which can show some concern.

High: The emergence of Jaylen Brown

Nearly the entire NBA saw Jayson Tatum showing a strong leap for this season being Boston’s number 1 option. He has shown flashes of improvement, but he has been outshined tremendously by the vast improvement of Jaylen Brown.

Heading into his 5th season, Jaylen Brown has looked like a totally different player. Now the sample size may be small of just 5 games, but he has been Boston’s leader this season. With averages of 28.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists (20.3, 6.4, 2.1 last year) this season, while shooting 56% from the field and 44% from 3, it’s safe to say he wants to lead this squad just as much as Tatum does.

This should not be overlooked if you’re the rest of the NBA. Many teams plan their defense around Tatum, but Jaylen’s emergence will only cause more problems for these teams. Let’s hope to see Brown continue this improvement- especially come playoff time against some of the leagues best.

Low: the team defense

Perhaps the most glaring issue during these 5 games has been the defense. The C’s currently rank 18th in opponent scoring (114.0 points allowed per game), 21st in defensive efficiency, 15th in opponent 3 point % (36.5%), and dead last in opponent field goal % (49.9%).

Now it’s only been 5 games, but it’s definitely something that is concerning. Compared to last season, Boston’s defensive ranks were among the elite. They were 2nd in points allowed per game (107.3), 4th in defensive efficiency, 4th in opponent field goal % (44.1%), and 2nd in defending the 3 (opponents shot 34%).

For the most part, their roster has stayed intact compared to last year, with their losses being Gordon Hayward (left via FA), Enes Kanter (trade), and Kemba Walker (injury recovery). Even with those names not on the roster every night, it’s not like those 3 players are world class defenders, especially with people like Kanter, who has been notoriously known throughout his career as a poor defender. Boston brought in Tristan Thompson to strengthen their defense, but so far his impact hasn’t been enough.

Coach Brad Stevens always seems to figure his defense out as the season progresses, but these numbers should not be ignored and should pose as an area for concern.

High: The bench has shown improvement

Perhaps one of the biggest issues the C’s had last year was a reliable bench. This was due to injury and inexperience, with nearly half the bench being rookies/second year players.

Rookie Payton Pritchard looks to be a draft steal by Danny Ainge. His numbers aren’t spectacular, but he’s putting in quality minutes (8.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists). With Kemba Walker sidelined until the end of January as he nurses his knee injury, Payton has shown he can be a reliable option with Kemba out.

Like Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams has shown some great improvement. His numbers haven’t climbed a ton from last year, but the eye test will tell you how more polished he looks. He appears to have much better awareness, better scoring capabilities, and can also play big minutes when it matters most.

These two guys really have shined off of Boston’s bench. Jeff Teague & Grant Williams both also can’t be ignored with their contributions, and with Romeo Langford returning soon, Boston could really develop a nice young bench.

Low: their inconsistency in close games

Boston has shown that they still have issues in close game situations. These issues come from their win against Milwaukee, and their loss to Indiana.

Although they did end up winning against Milwaukee, the start of the 4th quarter Boston was up by 17. They ended up only winning the game by 1. Had it not been for Giannis Antetokounmpo missing a game tying free throw, it would have gone into overtime.

Against Indiana, they lost by 1. Boston was up by 1 with just under 12 seconds in the game, and only needed to make one stop to close out the game. Instead, Boston fouled, which allowed Indiana to take a 108-107 lead. Jayson Tatum then missed a game winning shot, but it was a 3.

If Boston wants to be true contenders, they need to hold on their leads, and make better late decisions when the game is on the line (ex: maybe don’t take a 3 when you only need to take a 2).

In the end, Boston looks good so far with their high points, but there are definitely ways they can improve to compete with Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and Miami.