5 reasons why the Boston Celtics are a legitimate title contender 

#3 Clutch play

Rozier and Smart celebrate the former's game-winning dunk against the Pacers

The Celtics embarked on a 16-game run to improve to a 16-2 record at the beginning of the season based on their solid play in clutch time. Despite being down by double digits against the Thunder (18), the Hornets (18), the Warriors (17), the Hawks (16) and the Mavericks (13), they came back to win all those games to consolidate what was then the best record in the league.

Their ball movement and offensive sets are noticeably improved in clutch periods when every player is locked in on both sides of the court. Their field goal percentage shoots up 6.6% (from 45.1% through the length of a normal game to 51.7%) and their net rating jumps up from 4.3 to 5.6 during money time.

In close games, a well-written play can often be the difference between defeat and victory. Expect Brad Stevens to always have a trick or two up his sleeve in clutch time.