The Boston Celtics gained their first Recreation 2 of the postseason on Thursday night time, taking down the Indiana Pacers 126-110. A gradual begin within the first quarter was adopted by a powerful exhibiting the remainder of the way in which, as Jaylen Brown’s 40-point explosion led Boston to victory.
Listed here are three stuff you may need missed.
1. The expansion of Jaylen Brown
Brown has all the time been in a position to rating. He’s the most effective isolation scorers within the league, and on a Celtics group filled with top-notch offensive gamers, he could also be the very best tough-shot-maker of the bunch.
However in a recreation the place he scored 40 factors, two performs stood out essentially the most. And neither had been buckets. As an alternative, they had been two dimes.
By the point the third quarter rolled round, Brown had already established himself because the Celtics’ go-to scoring possibility. 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 the whole protection turned its eyes in his path, however he simply made the easy move each occasions.
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 night time, the night time earlier than Recreation 2, All-NBA Groups had been introduced. Brown didn’t make a group.
When requested if he felt snubbed, Brown saved his response clear and concise.
“I imply, we two video games from the Finals. You understand, truthfully, I don’t bought the time to present a f***,” Brown mentioned.
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 mentioned. “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 night time and put my greatest foot ahead. I get higher each single 12 months, and whether or not folks recognize it or not, it’s what it’s.”
3. Brown’s wrist concern
It could be nothing, and it’s the playoffs, so he’ll in all probability play by means of it, however Brown’s wrist was bothering him at occasions in Recreation 2. And when he took the rostrum post-game, he had some tape on it. It’s the identical wrist that has bothered him previously.
Once more, it might find yourself being nothing, but it surely’s simply one thing to observe shifting ahead.