Entering this season, most assumed the Boston Celtics would take a gap year. There seemed to be no chance this version of their roster could compete.

However, nearly three-quarters of the way through the 2025-26 season, the Celtics (37-19) have the second-best record in the East, the fourth-best record in the NBA and are virtually tied for the league’s best offense. And they’ve done that without Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kornet, Al Horford, and most importantly, Jayson Tatum, who just finished fourth in MVP voting last season.

When Joe Mazzulla was named interim head coach in 2022, his tactics and approach were relatively unknown. However, in the last four seasons, including winning a championship in 2024, it’s become clear that Mazzulla … loves math.

And that has been a positive approach for the Celtics. They have ranked either first or second in the NBA in points scored per 100 possessions every season under Mazzulla. In fact, math shows the Celtics have owned three of the 10 best offensive ratings in NBA history under their enigmatic head coach.

However, what does the math tell you? Possessions are precious.

The Celtics have ranked either first or second in 3-point attempts every season Mazzulla has been the head coach. But it’s not just enough to take and make 3s. The Celtics also maximize their offensive possessions by slowing down the pace, limiting turnovers and crashing the offensive glass.

This season, Boston is fifth in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage, collecting more than 33 percent of their missed shots. Centers Neemias Queta and Luka Garza both rank in the top 30 in offensive rebounds. On top of that, Boston is second in turnover percentage, only trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder.

You see the formula, right?

More offensive rebounds equal more possessions.
Fewer turnovers mean you’re not conceding any possessions.
More possessions equal more three-point attempts, which equal more points.

In this video, I detail how the Celtics consistently dominate on offense and what makes their formula foolproof.