The concern in Boston was immediate.
When Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in the second round of last season’s NBA Playoffs, the assumption across the league was that the Boston Celtics would take a step back.
Instead, they’ve taken control.
At 38-20, Boston sits second in the Eastern Conference. The roster many believed would struggle without its franchise star has evolved into one of the most balanced teams in the NBA.
And now, Hall of Famer Reggie Miller has amplified that shift in perception.
Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Miller did not hesitate. He called the Celtics “the scariest team in the Eastern Conference”, adding that Boston is a real threat to win the conference whether Tatum returns at full strength or not.
Boston Celtics: A team built on defense and discipline
The numbers explain why that statement carries weight.
“With or without Tatum, even if Tatum doesn’t come back, the Celtics are the scariest team in the Eastern Conference…
According to official data from NBA.com, Boston ranks second in offensive rating this season. They are also near the top of the league in three-point attempts and three-point makes, reinforcing a system built on spacing and controlled pace. While they rank 12th in three-point accuracy, the volume and shot profile keep their efficiency elite.
Defensively, the Celtics are seventh in defensive rating overall and surged to first in that category during February. That matters. When Boston won the championship less than two years ago, they finished second in defensive rating for the season. The blueprint feels familiar.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized half-court execution and physical play. Boston may operate at a slower tempo than most contenders, but they dictate pace instead of reacting to it.
Jaylen Brown steps into the spotlight
Brown’s season has reshaped the Celtics’ ceiling. He is averaging 29.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His expanded role has not disrupted efficiency. Instead, it has elevated it. League analysts have begun mentioning him in MVP discussions because he has embraced the responsibility that followed Tatum’s injury.
“The reason being is that there are no expectations. People thought this was going to be a gap year without Tatum…
There are still concerns. Payton Pritchard saw his production dip in last year’s playoffs. Derrick White is shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three-point range this season. A perimeter-heavy offense can tighten up in postseason series when defenses lock in.
The Tatum variable still looms
Reports indicate Tatum is attempting a return before the playoffs, though Achilles recoveries remain unpredictable. Even if he returns, regaining full rhythm takes time.
What has shifted most is perception. Teams that once viewed Boston as vulnerable are now recalibrating. Their combination of top-tier offensive efficiency and playoff-tested defense has changed the tone of the Eastern Conference race.
Boston was expected to regroup this season. Instead, they have positioned themselves as a legitimate contender again.
Statistical rankings and efficiency metrics referenced from NBA.com official team stats and publicly available season data. Injury timelines based on standard Achilles recovery estimates reported by team and league medical analyses.
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