The Boston Celtics ran out to a 110-126 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with a monster display, putting up 40 points. He opened up on his performance after the win, revealing he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win.
“Whatever it takes, man. It’s the Playoffs. Whatever it takes to get the W. On defense or offense, that’s what I will do.”
Brown made it clear that Jayson Tatum having a slow start didn’t affect how he approached the game.
“It doesn’t affect me at all. I come out and play aggressively, try to take advantage of every read, try to get my teammates going, and be aggressive every time I got it.”
Brown made it clear that the Celtics won’t let their mindset falter.
“Managing your emotions, that’s it. We got to weather every storm, then deal with adversity, and come out to play Celtics basketball.”
(Starts at 6:28)
The Jaylen Brown Game.
Highlights of his beastly 40-point performance (with postgame interview): pic.twitter.com/CmbMurZm1f
— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) May 24, 2024
The Celtics capped off a team display behind Brown’s explosion, with Derrick White putting up 23 points and Jrue Holiday notching a 15-point and 10-assist double-double. Jayson Tatum had a very slow start to the game but ended the contest with 23 points, icing the game in the second half.
The Pacers might be down and out in this series. Tyrese Haliburton put up a disappointing 10 points and eight assists before exiting the game with left leg soreness. Pascal Siakam kept them in the fight in the first half with his 28 points, supplemented by Andrew Nembhard’s 16 points.
Indiana seemingly threw in the towel after the Haliburton injury, subbing out their starters. Siakam led the team in minutes played with 31, compared to the 42 minutes Tatum played or the 36 minutes Brown and White played.
This could be a strategy to conserve the players before Game 3 in Indiana, as the team also overcame a 2-0 series deficit in the second round.
Jrue Holiday Showers Jaylen Brown With Praise
Jaylen Brown has rattled off consecutive starring performances for the Celtics, helping them avoid a Game 1 loss by draining a clutch three at the end of the fourth quarter and sending the game to OT, where Tatum went off to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat.
Jrue Holiday reflected on Brown’s contributions after their Game 2 win.
“He has it going. Y’all see what I see. Great player, great leader, but wants to win and takes things into his own hands… The way JB’s been playing man is outstanding.”
"He has it going. Y'all see what I see. Great player, great leader, but wants to win and takes things into his own hands… The way JB's been playing man is outstanding."
Celtics guard Jrue Holiday on how good Jaylen Brown has been in the playoffs 🗣️
(via @danield1214) pic.twitter.com/iWit2aCTPZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 24, 2024
Brown is averaging 24.8 points and 6.5 rebounds this playoff run. He failed to be named to an All-NBA team this season after receiving the richest contract in NBA history, so this performance definitely sent a message to the voters who overlooked him.
With Haliburton’s questionable status, the Celtics look likely to earn their second NBA Finals appearance in three seasons. With their strength and relatively easy path through the Playoffs, they’ll be favorites to beat either the Mavericks or Timberwolves in the Finals.
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