Celtics Jaylen Brown on his masked return

For the primary time shortly, the Boston Celtics had a clear harm report (outdoors of Danilo Gallinari), which meant the return of Jaylen Brown to the beginning lineup. Brown had been out of the lineup earlier than the All-Star break following a collision with star teammate Jayson Tatum which resulted in a facial fracture for Brown. After getting fitted for a masks, Brown made his triumphant return in the course of the All-Star Sport, and led Crew LeBron in scoring with 35 factors, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists.

“It’s gonna take some getting used to,” stated Brown on sporting a masks. “Some issues that I gotta alter and adapt to, however I’ll. In the present day was the primary, I’d say, actual sport with it on, and I feel it went superb. But it surely’s gonna undoubtedly take some getting used to and a few changes, and with the ability to adapt to it. However, up to now so good.”

For what it’s price, Brown regarded nice and didn’t appear to overlook a beat, scoring 30 factors on 11-of-24 taking pictures to associate with 11 rebounds, three assists and a block. Whereas he nonetheless had three turnovers, the star ahead didn’t appear to be hesitant with the masks on, and saved up his aggressive play on the offensive finish, driving by way of contact and end on the rim on a number of events.

“It’s fairly thick. Generally it will get a bit of scorching in your face,” stated Brown on his masks. “However I felt protected. I didn’t draw back from contact, I didn’t really feel like I needed to alter my sport a bit of or something like that. So, it’s a bit of uncomfortable at occasions, after which typically you gotta get your head round and be sure to see all the things.”

Brown first sustained the harm on February eighth, and by Friday, February tenth, he was identified with a maxillary facial fracture. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was in a position to report that Brown wouldn’t want surgical procedure, and in spite of everything of that, Brown solely missed 4 video games (4 and a half for those who embody the second half of their matchup towards the 76ers). All issues thought-about, Jaylen’s progress and speedy restoration are spectacular, however he isn’t out of the woods but.

“My guess is round someplace between 4 to 6 weeks,” stated Brown when requested about his restoration timetable and the way lengthy he could must put on the masks. “I feel every week has already glided by, with the All-Star (break). We’re going to be actual acquainted with one another after this period.”

With solely 22 video games remaining within the season, Brown might be taking part in and not using a masks anytime from the center to the top of March; Boston will solely have 4 video games in April earlier than the playoffs kick off, as they proceed to carry the highest seed within the Jap Convention. After coping with so many accidents over time, together with this season, the Celtics have been lucky that Jaylen Brown’s harm was no more extreme or required surgical procedure.

The Celtics will swimsuit up once more on Saturday night time as they tackle the Philadelphia 76ers on the street, 8:30PM EST tipoff.