NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 reasons the Boston Celtics can win it all

1. Brad Stevens’ coaching genius

Stevens is arguably the best tactical coach in the NBA. His ability to create quality looks for the Celtics out of timeouts is particularly important in tight games. Scheming an extra bucket or two for his team in the playoffs can be the difference between a crucial win or loss.

A coach’s primary job is to put his players in the best possible position to win. Stevens does an excellent job of deploying his roster in the most effective manner possible. He doesn’t ask Kanter to protect the rim. Instead, he asks him to get buckets in the post and rebound. That’s just one example of how Stevens gets the most out of a flawed player.

One thing Stevens doesn’t get enough credit for is his work with the Celtics’ defense. The team’s defense was second in the NBA in points allowed per game and fourth in opponent points per 100 possessions when the regular season ended.

The bottom line is that Stevens deserves to be considered one of just a handful of elite coaches currently in the NBA. He’s got the ability to turn a series in his team’s favor with a subtle adjustment or two. Not many coaches in the league can make that sort of impact. That gives Boston a huge advantage on the bench in the postseason.