NBA Notes: Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Pistons, Cade Cunningham, Suns

Celtics

This one has surprised just about everyone, ESPN writes in its midseason grades. Even factoring in the fact that Jayson Tatum is rehabbing an Achilles, Boston has been far better than expected. Third-best point differential in the league at midseason? That’s real.

Jaylen Brown has taken another leap, putting up a career-best 29.7 points per game and carrying the offense like a true No. 1. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White have barely missed time. Neemias Queta has quietly stabilized the middle after a full center reset, and Jordan Walsh has looked comfortable sliding into a bigger role.

Credit Joe Mazzulla for keeping it together. He belongs squarely in the Coach of the Year discussion.

Pistons

Detroit isn’t running away with things like it did during that early 13-game heater, but make no mistake — this is real. The Pistons sit atop the East behind a top-two defense and a growing offensive identity.

Cade Cunningham has played his way into the MVP conversation, Jalen Duren looks All-Star ready, and J.B. Bickerstaff has this group defending with size and purpose. Losing Malik Beasley hasn’t slowed them much at all.

Suns

So far, most people got this wrong. Phoenix said goodbye to star power and leaned into toughness. And it’s working.

Built around edge-setters like Dillon Brooks, the Suns force turnovers, compete nightly, and haven’t fallen off offensively nearly as much as expected. Collin Gillespie has emerged as a steady lead guard, earning the nickname “Villain Jr.” along the way, and rookie coach Jordan Ott looks like he might finally end the Suns’ sideline carousel.

So far? Team owner Mat Ishbia wins this one.