5 reasons why the Boston Celtics are a legitimate title contender 

#1 Defense

Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers

The Boston Celtics are the best defensive team in the league, bar none. Under Stevens' stewardship, the Cs are putting up a defensive rating of 101.4 points conceded per 100 possessions - this mark leads the league by a 1-point margin over the San Antonio Spurs who are rated second.

Their defense passes the eye test as well. They held the Golden State Warriors to just 88 points on their home court, and in their December matchup against the Rockets, they held the Houston franchise to just 36 points in the entire second half to emerge with a 1-point victory.

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier and Al Horford are 5 elite defenders they can throw on the court at any time, and they also have the length provided by Aron Baynes at the center position and Marcus Morris at the power forward slot. Expect them to be locked in every night come playoff time and suffocate teams whenever they seem to be making a run.