As one of the NBA's most storied franchises, the Boston Celtics boast not only a glorious team record but also numerous exceptional individual defensive performances. Here are the top five players in team history for steals per game in a single season.

No. 1: Rajon Rondo (2010)
In 2010, Rondo averaged 2.3 steals per game, a career high, was named to the All-Defensive First Team, and finished fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

2. Rajon Rondo (2011)
The following year, Rondo again ranked second in the league with 2.2 steals per game. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team for the second consecutive year and, with his well-rounded performance of 10.6 points and 11.2 assists per game, he finished in the top ten of MVP voting for the first time.

3. Rick Fox (1997)
In 1997, Fox averaged 2.2 steals and 15.4 points per game, one of his best seasons. He finished sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in his final season with the Boston Celtics.

4. David Wesley (1997)
That same year, Wesley tied for fifth in the league with 2.2 steals per game and contributed a career-high 16.8 points. He partnered with Fox to create a solid perimeter defense for the Boston Celtics.

No. 5: Paul Pierce (2000)
Pierce, a team legend, averaged 2.1 steals per game in his second year, setting a personal record. He then played for the Boston Celtics for 15 seasons, becoming the team's all-time steals leader and ranking at the top of many statistical charts.

From Rondo's top defense to Pierce's all-around performance, the history of the Boston Celtics is not only written by offensive brilliance, but also shaped by these defensive stalwarts.