Following the Boston Celtics‘ loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, Celtics star Jaylen Brown took full accountability for the loss during the postgame presser in a way that got the attention of a lot of people, including Brown’s teammates like Derrick White.
“I’ve got to be better down the stretch,” Jaylen told reporters. “I wasn’t good enough for my team tonight. So, that’s on me.”
“I think that’s kind of what makes it special,” White said of Brown. “30 something (points) and he still wants to do better for us … He’s probably his toughest critic, and we know that he’s going to bounce back and continue to do special things for us. Obviously, this loss isn’t on him. It’s on all of us.”
Brown’s insistence on shouldering the blame for the loss with clear language and with clear intent stood in stark contrast to comments made by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell after the Cavs’ loss to the Hornets.
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Mitchell may have appeared like he was making a similar sentiment to Brown, but his comment, “I’m not allowed to have a bad night”, has been interpreted by many fans as a subtle dig at his teammates, as it suggests that the Cavs can’t win unless he carries them.
Mitchell and the Cavs are struggling mightily this season in comparison to last year. After the loss to Charlotte, they dropped to 15-12 on the season a half-game behind the surprisingly strong ’25-26 Celtics in the East standings.
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Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images
