3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics 102-93 win vs. the Detroit Pistons

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Jayson Tatum scored 24 points to lead five players in double figures as the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to four games on Friday night. What are some of the top takeaways from the contest?

3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics 102-93 win vs. the Detroit Pistons

1. Taking care of business

This is a stretch of games that could have a great effect on the rest of the season. The Celtics don’t make their schedule - they just play whoever is in front of them. That being said, this team is doing exactly what they should be doing against lesser opponents. 

Beat the teams that they should beat, and they will find themselves closer to where they would like to be. Eight victories in their last 11 games is definitely a step in that direction.

2. Udoka’s defense tightening the screws

Many of us (present company included) were wondering when we were going to see this defense get better. They got better as they got healthy, and players are now settled into their defensive assignments. Robert Williams III being available anchors this unit and allows the perimeter defenders to be much more aggressive (holding the Pistons to 32.7 percent shooting). In turn, the C’s are able to disrupt the opposing team’s offensive plans. Kudos to the coaching staff for the improvement in that area.

3. Sometimes trades work out… and sometimes they don’t

This team is playing better and there is no doubt about that. This is also the time of the year where the focus has to be razor-sharp, as trade rumors are running like Usain Bolt in the 100-meter dash. While there are certainly options out there that can make the team better on offense, do they really want to lose the defensive growth we are seeing right now?

Smart and Richardson are the primary names in said rumors, but they are also two of the team’s best defenders. I don’t think you can replace Smart’s defensive leadership and intensity. The playoffs are all about getting stops when they are needed and I would like to see this team take its chances with number 36 in the green and white.

With Richardson, Smart, Williams III, and Horford, along with Jaylen Brown, this team can get even better on the defensive end. Let’s hope that the Celtics front office, if they must make moves, doesn’t slow the defensive momentum this team is developing at the right time.

The Celtics will be back in action on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center.