5 Reasons why the Boston Celtics will beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East Conf. Finals

#3 They have an elite defense as a team unit

#46 Aron Baynes guarding Joel Embiid

Through the course of the 82-game regular season, the Boston Celtics boasted of the league's best defensive rating. They were also second in opponent field goal percentage, and first in opponent 3-point percentage.

While the Milwaukee Bucks' series featured volume scorers Giannis and Middleton having their way and averaging efficient numbers, the Celtics did a commendable job against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Conference Semifinals. The young Philly squad was held to 42.6% conversion from the field and 30.9% on threes by a Celtics defense that is elite all the way up.

Unlike last season, when Isaiah Thomas was a sieve defensively, this iteration of the Celtics does not have a single weak link to exploit. Unlike Toronto, whose defensive frailties led to Kevin Love's improved numbers, the Celtics will make the Cavaliers earn every point.

The Pacers outscored the Cavaliers by 40 over 7 games by being physical and with worse defenders. A Celtics team with All-Defensive team caliber players like Smart, Horford and Brown will be an even worse matchup for the Cavs.