Boston fans have plenty to celebrate as the Celtics open the 2026‑27 season with a series of eye‑popping statistics that point to a promising campaign. In just four games, veteran forward Paul George is already leading the league with six deflections per contest and posting 3.5 steals per 100 possessions – a rate that places him in the 95th percentile for his position. His 2.3 steals per game also rank tied for ninth across the NBA, underscoring the defensive spark he brings to a young Boston roster.
Defensive Impact Extends to the Bench
George’s intensity is rubbing off on teammates, particularly sharpshooter Sam Hauser. When Hauser is on the floor, Boston enjoys a staggering +29.8 net rating in his 86 minutes of play; the rating drops to –10.1 when he sits. His offensive rating of 132.6 with Hauser on the court versus 102.8 without translates to a 29.8‑point swing per 100 possessions. Hauser’s catch‑and‑shoot game is equally impressive, averaging 7.5 points per game on 58.8% shooting from beyond the arc and posting a true‑shooting percentage 13.1 points above league average, landing him in the 91st percentile for his role.
Pritchard’s Sharpshooting Efficiency
Point guard Payton Pritchard is another bright spot. He has connected on 47.6% of his three‑point attempts, far exceeding the model‑expected 34.4% and delivering the best differential on the team among qualified shooters. That 13.2‑percentage‑point gap ranks 11th in the NBA overall and fifth among non‑centers, highlighting his ability to generate high‑quality looks that the league’s analytics deem difficult.
Tatum’s Historic Playmaking
Perhaps the most notable development is Jayson Tatum’s evolution as a facilitator. According to Cleaning the Glass data, Tatum boasts a career‑best 39% assist rate – the highest ever recorded for a wing and placing him in the 100th percentile at his position. Only four players – Trae Young, Nikola Jokic, Josh Giddey and Tyrese Haliburton – have posted a higher rate. Tatum also generates 18.7 potential assists per 100 possessions, the best mark among wings, and currently averages eight assists per game, ranking sixth league‑wide. This playmaking surge complements his scoring, offering Boston a dual‑threat leader as the team adjusts to the departure of Jaylen Brown.
Looking Ahead
While early numbers can regress, the combination of elite defense, bench efficiency and a newly‑minted playmaking star gives the Celtics a solid foundation for the 82‑game grind. If the team can sustain George’s defensive pressure, keep Hauser and Pritchard productive off the bench, and allow Tatum to continue orchestrating the offense, Boston is well positioned to contend for a deep playoff run.
Boston’s fans should feel confident that the early statistical trends are not fleeting flashes but indicators of a balanced, hard‑working squad that embodies the city’s competitive spirit.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
