beat boston

The Boston Celtics won their 18th championship in dominant fashion, leading the league. They posted a regular season record of 64 wins, far ahead of other teams. In the playoffs, they lost only three times, beating the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and beating the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 in the Finals.

Boston scored 122.2 points per 100 possessions, which is the most efficient offense in NBA history. This was made possible by a five-out offense where all five starters can shoot the three, making penetration easier for their star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. On the other hand, they ranked second in defensive rating because they have two interchangeable and perhaps the best defensive backcourt tandem in the league — Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. They also had shot-blocking 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis anchoring the defense.

Teams have taken notice of the Boston template — more shooters, interchangeable defenders, dribble-diving penetrators — and have loaded up in the offseason in hopes of emulating the Celtics’ success. Here are the top teams that have “retooled” to emulate the NBA champions:

Oklahoma City Thunder – The young Thunder finished impressively first in the tough Western Conference regular season, but were defeated in six games in the semifinals by the Dallas Mavericks. During that series, the Thunder’s weaknesses were exposed — their lack of size and rebounding.

By signing 7-footer Isaiah Hartenstein, they gain the size and weight to compete with other bigs while allowing Chet Holmgren to play more on the perimeter. Hartenstein played in 75 regular season games and averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

But the real game-changing acquisition for the Thunder is 3-and-D forward Alex Caruso, who can play multiple positions and shoots 41 percent from three-point range. He was traded for the talented Josh Giddey, who continues to struggle with his outside shot, allowing defenses to shut him down.

Philadelphia 76ers – After years of experimentation and failure, the 76ers may have finally gotten it right this offseason.

Philly was able to acquire one of the league’s best two-way forwards in Paul George, re-signed guard Tyrese Maxey and added more shooters around center Joel Embiid when it brought in Caleb Martin and Eric Gordon. The team also acquired a starting center of caliber in Andre Drummond to man the point before Embiid’s inevitable injury.

If Embiid stays healthy, this team has the tools to beat the Celtics.

New York Knicks – The Knicks went all in and traded their short-term future (five first-round picks) when they acquired Mikal Bridges. Bridges never felt comfortable or talented enough to be New Jersey’s first option, but he still managed to produce 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 37.2 percent shooting from range.

Add him to OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, and the Knicks have a ton of long, athletic forwards they can throw at opponents. This is a supporting cast that could easily pair up with All-Star Jalen Brunson.

The Knicks are finally a contender.

Dallas Mavericks – The Mavericks overachieved when they reached the NBA Finals, so they weren’t sure if they were one or two players away from dominance.

They brought in Klay Thompson, who is already in decline but whose three-point shooting makes it easier for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to play.

Dallas lost two 3-and-D players in Derrick Jones and Tim Hardaway, but quickly replaced them with stronger defenders Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes.

While Thompson’s arrival will boost the already strong offense, the defense becomes a problem with all three (Irving and Doncic) on the court.

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