The Boston Celtics gained their first Sport 2 of the postseason on Thursday evening, taking down the Indiana Pacers 126-110. A gradual begin within the first quarter was adopted by a formidable exhibiting the remainder of the way in which, as Jaylen Brown’s 40-point explosion led Boston to victory.
Listed here are three belongings you might need missed.
1. The expansion of Jaylen Brown
Brown has all the time been in a position to rating. He’s probably the greatest isolation scorers within the league, and on a Celtics crew stuffed with top-notch offensive gamers, he could also be the most effective tough-shot-maker of the bunch.
However in a recreation the place he scored 40 factors, two performs stood out probably the most. And neither had been buckets. As a substitute, they had been two dimes.
By the point the third quarter rolled round, Brown had already established himself because the Celtics’ go-to scoring choice. And whereas he might have taken robust photographs on each of those performs, he didn’t.
Indiana despatched a ton of strain at him as your entire protection turned its eyes in his path, however he simply made the straightforward go each instances.
Two years in the past, Brown would have taken the robust layup. His progress has been monumental to the Celtics’ success, and it can’t be understated how unbelievable he has been this season.
2. Brown’s spicy post-game press convention
On Wednesday evening, the evening earlier than Sport 2, All-NBA Groups had been introduced. Brown didn’t make a crew.
When requested if he felt snubbed, Brown stored his response clear and concise.
“I imply, we two video games from the Finals. You already know, actually, I don’t received the time to offer a f***,” Brown stated.
Brown was simply as vocal when requested if he appears like he’s underrated and will get much less reward than others.
“I imply, I watch guys get praised and anointed that I really feel like are half as gifted as me on both facet of the ball,” Brown stated. “However at this level in my life, I simply embrace it. It comes with me and who I’m and what I stand for, and I ain’t actually altering that.
“So, I simply come out, and I’m grateful to step out on the ground each evening and put my finest foot ahead. I get higher each single 12 months, and whether or not individuals recognize it or not, it’s what it’s.”
3. Brown’s wrist situation
It might be nothing, and it’s the playoffs, so he’ll in all probability play by way of it, however Brown’s wrist was bothering him at instances in Sport 2. And when he took the rostrum post-game, he had some tape on it. It’s the identical wrist that has bothered him prior to now.
Once more, it might find yourself being nothing, however it’s simply one thing to watch transferring ahead.