Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 126-110 victory over the Pacers on Thursday, putting them up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brown was extra motivated after being left off all All-NBA teams this season and aimed to show why he should be the highest-paid player. His coach, Joe Mazzulla, noted that while Brown cares about such snubs, his focus on winning is what truly drives him. “He understands that winning is the most important thing. He just cares about the right stuff,” Mazzulla said.
Brown’s Playoff Performance:
Throughout these playoffs, Brown has been crucial for Boston. In Game 1, he hit a game-saving three-pointer that pushed it into overtime and eventually led to their win.
When asked if missing out on All-NBA honors motivated him, Brown downplayed it. “I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “We’re two games from the finals. I don’t got time to (care).”
Last season, Brown made it to the All-NBA second team and became eligible for a five-year supermax contract extension. Despite not making any of these teams this year, teammate Jrue Holiday still sees him as a leader who wants to win at all costs.
“I mean, he has it going,” Holiday remarked. “Y’all see what I see. Great player. Great leader… The way JB’s been playing, man, it’s outstanding.”
Pacers’ Setback with Haliburton:
On Indiana’s side, Tyrese Haliburton had to leave Game 2 in the third quarter due to a sore left hamstring—an injury from earlier in the season flaring up again.
Coach Rick Carlisle mentioned they would evaluate Haliburton’s condition on Friday and hoped he’d be back for Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis.
“He was sore at halftime,” Carlisle explained post-game. “He came out and gave all his effort but wasn’t doing well… trainers decided he needed more work.”
Teammate Pascal Siakam expressed disappointment over Haliburton’s recurring injury but emphasized teamwork moving forward: “We need Ty… We’ve got to play together.”
I think it’s tough when key players get injured at crucial moments like this one!
