Sometimes statistics can be an indicator for how a specific team is playing. You watch certain events and you can tell that team is playing their brand of basketball and they are doing what is important for this team to win.

Last season, the Celtics were 27-0 in the regular season when scoring 17 or more 3s. They were 3-6 when scoring less than 12 3s. You could watch their 3 point shooting and know whether they were playing on their terms or if they were in for a slog. This season, they are 8-3 when scoring 17 or more 3s.

This season, a better indicator of whether the team is locked in is the defensive rebounding. When they limit opponents to less than 9 rebounds, the Celtics are undefeated and winning by more than 14/game. When they surrender more than 12 offensive rebounds, they are 1-3 with the lone win being the squeaker against the Raptors.

Last season, they were 18-8 when surrendering more than 12 offensive boards. Different season, different style, different indicators. And their best defensive rebounders were Queta, Tatum, and Horford (Porzyngas's absence is not as meaningful here).

No suggestion here that they change their style of play, but as they try to keep opponents off of the line and leverage their 3P advantage, how well they can balance that with protecting the defensive glass is going to define their success.