Jaylen Brown Explains Celtics’ Mindset On Combatting Complacency

With 27 games remaining in the regular season, the 43-12 Boston Celtics lead the NBA as owners of the best overall record.

Boston holds a six-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference and is four games ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the overall No. 1 seed heading down the stretch to the postseason.

At All-Star weekend’s media availability Saturday, Celtics star Jaylen Brown discussed Boston’s mindset through the long regular season as it battles to remain on top.

“It’s tough. It’s a fight. It’s a mentality to be able to focus for long durations of time,” Brown said, per Shane Young of Forbes Sports. “I think that’s the challenge and in sports to have that ultimate focus because when you get deeper into the playoffs … the team whoever’s focus breaks first is going to be the team that loses.”

I asked Jaylen Brown how the Celtics fight off complacency in a long regular season, especially being so far ahead of everyone in the East.

His response: pic.twitter.com/p0KtlX5kCW

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 17, 2024

While Boston is dominating in the standings, the team is not without adversity on the court, dropping some heartbreaking games they should have won and squeaking out wins when the Celtics were expected to roll over their opponent.

Brown said this is the first time in his eight-year career Boston has remained focused in the regular season.

“I challenge my team … throughout the regular season is when you build endurance for (the postseason),” Brown said. “I think we’ve been doing a good job this year. It’s been the best year in terms of focus on mentality and focus that we’ve had so far. So, I’m feeling strong and confident about our team heading into the playoffs.”

Boston gets back to work following the All-Star break with a two-game road trip beginning in Chicago. The Celtics will take on the Bulls at the United Center on Thursday night.