The NBA's Atlantic Division was arguably the best in the Eastern Conference and maybe the entire league. They fielded four playoff teams and a promising rebuilding team in the Brooklyn Nets.

A big reason for each team's successes –– and lack thereof –– was due to point guard play. Some teams had All-Star playmakers, while other teams' playmakers played complementary roles.

5. Boston Celtics

Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Celtics don't run a traditional system. Their dynamic forward duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum handles most of the play initiating, which leads to solid assist numbers.…