NBA Today: 3 Reasons why the Boston Celtics are so good right now

The Boston Celtics fell to a 107-104 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers last night, although Brad Stevens' team once again impressed as they pushed the title favourites all the way at Staples Center in a memorable clash fit for the postseason.

Despite their frustrating loss, they possess the joint-best record in the Eastern Conference alongside the Milwaukee Bucks. With games against the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings and back-to-back encounters with the Brooklyn Nets before December begins, there's plenty for them to be optimistic about.

With just over a month of the season played, plenty could still change in the months ahead - although here we take a look at three reasons why the Celtics are so good right now.

#3 Kemba Walker's immediate impact

Kemba Walker has enjoyed a strong first month with the Celtics

Kemba Walker endured the most difficult night of his Boston career to date on Wednesday, scoring just 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting against the Clippers. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard's elite defensive skills were enough to minimise Walker's in-game impact, however, this was a rare blip for the 29-year-old - who has enjoyed an excellent start to life in Boston.

Through 14 games this term, Walker is averaging 22.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 0.9 steals per game - while his three-point shooting has improved to almost 40%. The former Charlotte Hornets man also doesn't bring drama and disruption as his predecessor did.

While the Celtics fought each other for shots last season, Kemba has managed to get his teammates involved on the offensive end. Ultimately, Walker may not match Kyrie Irving's natural ability, but the veteran guard has proven an excellent addition to a young Boston roster who are exceeding early expectations.

#2 Big men performing better than expectations

Daniel Theis has started at the five position for the Celtics, impressing

Entering the season, it was clear that Boston's biggest weakness was their lack of a quality big man, although the Celtics' options at the center position have performed better than expected through the first month of the season.

Daniel Theis has stepped into the starting role so far - and while he doesn't offer much as an offensive force, the German has excelled defensively: averaging 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 23.1 minutes.

Meanwhile, Enes Kanter's minutes are at a career-low 15.8, although the Turkish center has still managed to contribute 7.3 points and 5.7 rebounds - while he has been committed on the defensive end despite his apparent shortcomings. Ultimately, the Celtics could still move for someone such as Steven Adams in the weeks ahead, although the center position is currently not a problem.

#1 The Celtics' young core has finally stepped up

Jaylen Brown is among the young players that have impressed for Boston

The 2018 playoffs provided us with a glimpse of the future, as a young Boston roster playing without Irving and Gordon Hayward pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

While Terry Rozier departed for the Hornets during the summer, the trio of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum remain - and all three have taken a huge step this season. Following a series of impressive defensive performances, Smart is among the early candidates in the race to be named Defensive Player of the Year - with the 25-year-old also averaging a career-high 12.1 points per contest.

Meanwhile, Tatum dropped a season-high 30 points in his most recent outing against the Clippers and is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Brown is also producing the best numbers of his career in terms of points (18.5) and rebounds (7.2), and the performances from the young trio will only get better as the season progresses.