Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown went off for 50 points on Saturday night against the LA Clippers, but the most epic aspect of JB’s offensive explosion was that it came on a night that he requested to guard Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
On the plane from Sacramento to LA, Brown reportedly texted Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, asking if he could guard Leonard.
Brown helped to contain Leonard on Saturday; he also spent some time on former NBA MVP James Harden. Neither player had a big night. Leonard ended up with 22 points, Harden with 18.
Following the game, Brown was asked why he texted Joe on the plane and requested the Leonard matchup.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Brown said. “I seek those challenges. I feel like it brings the most out of me. Obviously Kawhi is one of the greats so I wanted to start on him and I just seek those matchups … I like when my back is against the wall. I like when people doubt (me) — it fuels me. Even though it’d be nice to get some respect … keep it up. I definitely use it as fuel.”
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Brown was recently snubbed for Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors in favor of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, despite Brunson having inferior stats to Brown in December. It was an award decision that Brown attributed to “politics.”
JB has thrived as the Celtics’ primary offensive force this season. Through 32 games played, Brown is averaging 30.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a career-high 5.0 assists per game, shooting 51.0 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from three, and 77.9 percent from the free-throw line. His efficiency and playmaking have propelled the Celtics to a 22-12 record.
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Featured image via Bob DeChiara/Imagn Images
