Two seasons ago the Celtics added Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, and combined with Paul Pierce, created a new Big Three.  Many wondered if the three superstars would gel and if there would be enough balls to go around.  The worry was for not becausse all three players were at the point in their career's where winning was more important than numbers, and they bonded perfectly.

Before this season the second unit added Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, both noted hot heads and many began questioning team chemistry.  So far, both offensively and defensively, the second unit has performed with great unity, teamwork, and chemistry.  Daniels knows how and where to get the ball to Wallace and House, and is also very adept at picking his spots to get his own shot.  Wallace is a great screener and a much better passer than I thought.  Both are aggressive defender who are very aware of help responsibilities and making quick rotations.  Wallace is a good shot blocker and Daniels has quick hands.  The four primary second unit players, including Sheldon Williams, skill sets have complemented each other perfectly and each has thrived in their role. 

With two out of the last three seasons bringing major change to the Celtics it begs the question: Does winning cause chemistry or does chemistry cause winning?

I believe chemistry causes winning. 

First, the Celtics play such great defense that the players need to work in harmony in order to defend the paint and challenge every shot and pass.  Experience is needed to know how your teammates will react in situations, but that can midigated by effort, unselfishness, communication, and accountability.  All four of those factors are key components of chemistry.

All players on the team must put forth maximum physical and mental effort for a team to have success.  During games but especially in practice everyone must focus 100%.  This is the key to success but also the key to making rapid improvement.  When coaches and teammates can expect maximum physical and mental effort from you then they know you are player they can trust and count on.

Also, all players must buy into the system, there role in it and except that they must give something of themselves in order to make the team better.  Paul Pierce had to be willing to give clutch shots to Eddie House, Ray Allen and others.  Kevin Garnett had to accept that he is not the primary option on offense.  Ray Allen had to accept that his role is to catch and shoot.  Rasheed Wallace needed to accept that coming off the bench was the best thing for him and the team.  When stars accept those things, it allows the whole team to buy into the system.  Sacrificing ones stats and ego is the ultimate show of unselfishness.

Defense is all about effort, but it is also about awareness.  Off-the -ball defenders must remember the ball-me-man concept and be prepared to rotate quickly and aggressively to help their teammates.  This type of defense can only be mastered over time and with great communication. Pay close attention to the pointing and screaming of KG and Wallace on the defensive end. They call out screens, direct teammates to double team, and look out for unfavorable match-ups they can fix.  This communication allows the defense to move in unison and cover for each other.

The above paragraphs are meaningless if the players don't hold each other accountable for their actions.  The coaches can yell and scream until they are blue in the face but it doesn't have the same meaning as knowing you let your teammate down; and knowing that teammate will call you on it.  Knowing that your teammates need you and that you need your teammates creates a strong bond, that will allow a team to get through tough times.

The Celtics have those four elements, and have developed a very strong team chemistry.  This chemistry has allowed the team to have a such a dominant start to the season.