Celtics' Defense In February Has Blown All NBA Competition Out Of The Water

Celtics' Defense In February Has Blown All NBA Competition Out Of The Water originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics have dominated on the defensive end this month in a way that NBA fans might not realize. Boston has allowed just 96.7 points per game in February, according to Celtics official team reporter Taylor Snow.

That mark sits nearly 10 points per contest better than the next closest teams, with Detroit and Houston both checking in at 105.4 points allowed per game.

The Celtics have allowed nearly 10 PPG fewer than any other NBA team in February. Their defense is on track for the lowest-scoring full month by any team in 8 years.

1. Boston – 96.7 opp pts
2. Detroit – 105.4
Houston – 105.4
4. Charlotte – 107.1
5. Toronto – 108.1 pic.twitter.com/EPZQXmVj0U

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) February 26, 2026

Boston’s unit ranks first in the league by a wide margin and projects to deliver the lowest-scoring full month by any NBA team in eight years. Of course, the Celts have built this wall without their leading scorer and two-way anchor Jayson Tatum, leaning instead on a deep rotation that includes Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and versatile bench contributors.

Opponents are struggling to find rhythm against Boston’s length, physicality and help rotations. The team’s ability to force turnovers and contest shots at a high rate has fueled winning stretches even on the road. This defensive identity has become the clearest reason the Celtics remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference race despite missing a cornerstone piece.

Boston's stinginess -- fostered by head coach Joe Mazzulla -- bodes well for the stretch run and potential playoff series, where half-court defense often decides outcomes. Boston’s entire coaching staff has emphasized communication and effort on that end all season, and the results through February show the message is landing.

Fans watching the games can see the coordinated rotations and the way the Celts swarm the ball without fouling.

This is team that has found its stride defensively at the perfect time, which is a result of daily progress and work habits.

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