The Celtics will open the 2024-25 NBA season against the New York Knicks on Oct. 22 at TD Garden, and Jaylen Brown is ready to defend Boston's title.
"Last year is over, to be honest. We celebrated, we had a good time, it's been an awesome summer. I've been having a great summer, by the way," Brown told NBC Sports Bay Area's Monte Poole on the "Dubs Talk" podcast. "But, it's over with, and now it's back to work."
Brown recently shared photos of his underwater training regiment on his Instagram account, showing just how focused the reigning Finals MVP is on the upcoming season. He understands that opposing teams will be looking to dethrone the Celtics and he welcomes the challenge.
"Now, we've got the target on our back," Brown said. "Everybody's trying to come after us, and I'm like, 'Come on.' So, it's back to work, and I'm looking forward to next season."
The Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018) were the last team to repeat as NBA champions. Boston's core and key role players from the 2023-24 championship season are returning, giving the Celtics the best chance to repeat.
Brown and Jayson Tatum might have extra motivation to help the Celtics capture a second straight title -- Brown was left off the USA Olympic team, and head coach Steve Kerr benched Tatum in Team USA's two contests against Serbia during its gold medal run. The Celtics will host Kerr's Warriors on Nov. 6 at TD Garden.
The C's will face the Mavericks in Dallas on Jan. 25 and in Boston on Feb. 6 for the Finals rematch. Dallas head coach Jason Kidd doubled down on Brown being Boston's "best player" when he appeared on the same "Dubs Talk" podcast before the Celtics star.
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