Two nights after Celtics star Jaylen Brown admitted he’s been playing through pain in his right knee, he dropped 31 points to lead Boston past the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
“I haven’t felt my best over the last couple of days the last couple of weeks,” Brown told reporters at TD Garden, per team-provided video. “But you kind of just got to roll with the punches, I guess. It is what it is. It sucks.
“I wish I could share more details, but whatever my team needs, whatever I can do. Whatever I got, I’m gonna give. I’m looking forward to just taking it one day at a time, and I’m hopeful that some things will improve over the course of these next two weeks or so.”
Brown added that he has been experimenting with a slower, more deliberate play style as he navigates the injury that forced him to be on a minutes restriction.
“Just learning to make adjustments,” Brown said. “I probably relied on my athleticism a lot this season. But like, using more of my skill, you know, playing a little bit slower, which can sometimes be a good thing. So it’s all about just figuring that out, and I’ve been using these games to kind of figure it out, and just take it one day at a time.”
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Even before his injury, Brown appears to be more meticulous in attacking mismatches for his teammates and slowing the game down this season.
“I feel like this year, you know, making plays for others, I don’t think we needed me to score the ball this year,” Brown explained. “Obviously, scoring is something that I do, and that’s probably my best quality, but I really try to emphasize making plays for others on my team all season long.
“I think that’s what our team has needed. They didn’t need another guy that just comes down and just tries to score every time he touches (the ball). So, I’ve made that emphasis this year. … People may have their own opinions about that, but I’ve definitely made an emphasis to get guys going.”
Brown continued: “That’s just different from any role I’ve had in the Celtics uniform. But, I’ve worn it with a badge of honor. I feel like I’ve improved a lot in that area, so I’ve made myself a better basketball player.
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“Looking forward to continuing to empower guys in the playoffs. And it’s all about the team. It’s not all about me. I can come down and get numbers if I wanted to. People got to say what they got to say regardless. But I’ve been a team basketball player all season long.”
The reigning Finals MVP has noticed the irony of the conversation surrounding his availability down the stretch as the Celtics prepare for a run at Banner No. 19.
“You normally see people complain about when people are choosing not to play,” Brown said. “I’ve never experienced it the other way around, where I’m playing and people are encouraging me not to.
“As we continue to move forward, I’m hoping to feel better and better. But there’s no guarantee that rest or anything like that is going to make this thing better, so kind of figuring it out and going through it and getting ready for the playoffs.”
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Brown has played in 61 games for the Celtics this season. With five games remaining, he will have to play in at least four to be eligible for NBA postseason awards.
“I appreciate Joe (Mazzulla) because he’s given me grace even though, like, he’s letting me feel through it,” Brown said. “He kind of understands where it’s at, and he’s letting me play through some stuff.
“Even last game, I took some ill-advised shots, and that was just a part of me trying to figure it out, like where I can go (on the court). And, you know what I mean, I still want him to hold me to that same standard, but I appreciate Joe for the communication and stuff like that. And it’s good to have that now rather than trying to figure it out once everything is on the line.”
Featured image via Rick Scuteri/Imagn Images
