Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown voiced his frustrations after Thursday night’s 102-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking aim at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s tendency to draw fouls.
“We commend players for playing the game the right way but we give the benefit to those who try to manipulate the game ... I just don't think it’s basketball. All the foul baiting … it’s whatever for me,” Brown said.
Jaylen Brown CALLS OUT SGA for FLOPPING
“We commend players for playing the game the right way but we give the benefit to those who try to manipulate the game… I just don't think it’s basketball. All the foul baiting… it’s whatever for me.”
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— Hater Report (@HaterReport) March 13, 2026
The Celtics pushed the Western Conference leaders despite missing key rotation pieces (including Jayson Tatum), keeping the game within striking distance throughout.
Brown’s comments reflect a growing conversation league-wide about officiating and player habits that influence free-throw attempts.
Brown has elevated his game across 59 appearances this season, posting averages of 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field.
Named to the All-Star team as a starter, the veteran wing has added significant playmaking of late, recording at least seven assists in seven straight games — the longest such streak of his career — and nine of the last 10 contests since the All-Star break.
Brown’s all-around impact has anchored the Celtics and kept them firmly in Eastern Conference contention heading into the postseason.
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