The Boston Celtics won their first Game 2 of the postseason on Thursday night, taking down the Indiana Pacers 126-110. A slow start in the first quarter was followed by an impressive showing the rest of the way, as Jaylen Brown’s 40-point explosion led Boston to victory.
Here are three things you might have missed.
1. The growth of Jaylen Brown
Brown has always been able to score. He’s one of the best isolation scorers in the league, and on a Celtics team full of top-notch offensive players, he may be the best tough-shot-maker of the bunch.
But in a game where he scored 40 points, two plays stood out the most. And neither were buckets. Instead, they were two dimes.
By the time the third quarter rolled around, Brown had already established himself as the Celtics’ go-to scoring option. And while he could have taken tough shots on both of these plays, he didn’t.
Indiana sent a ton of pressure at him as the entire defense turned its eyes in his direction, but he just made the simple pass both times.
Two years ago, Brown would have taken the tough layup. His growth has been monumental to the Celtics’ success, and it cannot be understated how incredible he has been this season.
2. Brown’s spicy post-game press conference
On Wednesday night, the night before Game 2, All-NBA Teams were announced. Brown did not make a team.
When asked if he felt snubbed, Brown kept his response clear and concise.
“I mean, we two games from the Finals. You know, honestly, I don’t got the time to give a f***,” Brown said.
Brown was just as vocal when asked if he feels like he’s underrated and gets less praise than others.
“I mean, I watch guys get praised and anointed that I feel like are half as talented as me on either side of the ball,” Brown said. “But at this point in my life, I just embrace it. It comes with me and who I am and what I stand for, and I ain’t really changing that.
“So, I just come out, and I’m grateful to step out on the floor each and every night and put my best foot forward. I get better every single year, and whether people appreciate it or not, it is what it is.”
3. Brown’s wrist issue
It may be nothing, and it’s the playoffs, so he’ll probably play through it, but Brown’s wrist was bothering him at times in Game 2. And when he took the podium post-game, he had some tape on it. It’s the same wrist that has bothered him in the past.
Again, it could end up being nothing, but it’s just something to monitor moving forward.
