5 reasons that explain the recent success of the Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyrie (L) shakes hands with former team-mate LeBron James, who he left in the summer to join the Celtics

Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics are making all the right moves. There is something to love about the way this team have been performing during the early weeks of the current season, especially as they've looked better than Eastern Conference rivals Cleveland Cavaliers in comparison. Some things are worsening too though - injuries.

2008-09 was the most recent year that Celtics flourished from the start, where they had the big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Between the trio, they managed to sustain a 19-match winning streak, giving them the best start in franchise history.

The current crop have now won 10 straight matches and see themselves sitting comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference. Let's break down some of the reasons for their recent success.

#5 The schedule

Celtics came into the season winning all four of their pre-season games, establishing themselves as the 2nd favourite in the East. Despite losing Gordon Hayward to a season-ending injury on the opening night against the Cavaliers, they've only lost once more - which was against the Milwaukee Bucks at home directly afterward.

Since then, they've had a relatively easy schedule of fixtures. Apart from the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic, they've faced easier opponents such as the Atlanta Hawks and an inconsistent LA Lakers side.

#4 Fearless Jays have been menacing on both ends with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics v Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics v Washington Wizards

The stats tell the story - Jaylen Brown has averaged 15.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and one steal too. The sophomore has led the team's scoring in three wins already this season and continues to step up whenever Kyrie has struggled with his shooting.

Rookie Jason Tatum, on the other hand, has been excellent in November. 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block on average. He has been efficient both offensively and in defence too.

During their 110-89 win against the Knicks, Brown and Tatum became the first Celtics duo at age 21 or younger to score 20 or more points in the same match.

#3 Sharing the ball

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Celtics have averaged 23 assists per game. They are already top 10 within the league in terms of team assists. Even Houston Rockets with Chris Paul and James Harden (both averaging 10 per game) are at 22.

They're sharing the ball equally and establishing themselves as an enjoyable team to watch. Just look at how many of the plays in the above highlights have resulted in assists.

Kryie has been their assist leader with 5.7 per game, which has been his career average. Marcus Smart and Al Horford are both assisting with more efficiency than ever before, while Tatum and Terry Rozier give the side around three assists.

Smart is a bright spark off the substitutes' bench - able to bring the defensive intensity while managing to contribute offensively. If both Smart and Kyrie can progressively reduce their turnover count, they would be even more dangerous. The latter is also quickly looking like an early MVP candidate.

#2 Number one in team defence

Celti
Celtics vs Hawks

Any new team struggles on defence. Just look at Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cavs. Celtics though, have been an exception to the rule.

The early games have been important for this side to believe in their system and progress over time. The team lost its best defender in Avery Bradley during the off-season, but is the number one team on defence.

Smart is their top defender but Brad Stevens has been able to implement a system that puts his athletic players in the right position. The mindset at which they play, hard, while sharing the ball regularly to good effect. Brown can defend almost every position and everyonem communicates with one another on switches.

They're flat out dominating on defence. Kyrie, who has been labelled uninterested in defence during his Cavs days, looks like a different player here. We all know that he's amazing offensively, but many are surprised by his hunger and energy on the other end.

Irving is currently leading the league with 2.1 steals per game on average. He's not a great defensive player yet, but has become a reliable and solid figure.

#1 Coach Brad Stevens and Kyrie Irving

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Is it time that LeBron got nervous about what Kyrie is doing with the team in Boston? A youthful side with a young, intelligent coach. Coach Brad Stevens is looking like another Coach of the Year candidate.

Kyrie has continued to excel with his scoring, even though his percentages are down from previously with the Cavaliers. The best ball handler, a perfect example of this was his overall display against the Lakers recently.

He wanted to have his own team and now has one. Celtics have been resilient despite being a fairly new side, who have lost one of their best players to serious injury. With a great coach at the helm and more time, this team will be tough to beat and they're already rebuilding well.

They'll be looking to capitalise on the Cavs' slump and are good enough to do so.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi