Boston Celtics icons Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are celebrating these two Celtics players as the most formidable defensive pairing in the NBA.

The Boston Celtics have achieved a perfect 4-0 record with their new starting lineup, and former Celtics stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett attribute their success to what they consider the NBA’s ‘best defensive duo’.

In the latest edition of ‘KG Certified’, Pierce raved about guards Derrick White and Jrue Holiday:

“This might be the best defensive duo. You know who it reminds me of? It reminds of when it was [Rajon] Rondo and Jrue Holiday, when they were in New Orleans, and they played Portland and they was D’ing [Damian Lillard] and [CJ] McCollum up. It looked like that.”

Pierce went on to explain how the two are setting the tone for the entire team:

“I was looking at the Celtics, they were picking up full court. They got Payton Pritchard picking up. They could be scary good, because when everybody buys into that side of the ball, that changes everything in the culture. It looks like they’re really buying into that side, and that’s what really brings your team together, the defense.”

The Boston Celtics presently boast the top-ranked offense and the fourth-best defense in the NBA. This comes as no shock, given that last year, Holiday was recognized with First Team All-Defense honors, and White secured a spot on the Second Team. As long as these two maintain their defensive leadership, with Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum spearheading the offense, the Celtics believe they have a genuine chance at an NBA championship.

Regrettably, the Celtics will be without half of their starting backcourt when they face the Nets on Saturday, as White will be absent from the game due to a personal matter.