On Sunday, March 22, the Boston Celtics fell 102-92 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joe Mazzulla’s team allowed a 16-0 run during the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing their fate. However, their defensive lapses down the stretch were only part of the problem. As a unit, the Celtics shot just 27.3% from deep, going 9-for-33.
Even Jaylen Brown, who ended the night with 29 points, had one of his more inefficient outings in recent memory. The All-Star forward took 26 shots, converting 9 of them, with two of those makes coming on six of his three-point attempts.
When speaking to the media after the game, Brown was reflective of his performance, admitting that he may have forced things at times and could have benefited by slowing the game down and picking his spots.
“Personally, I feel like sometimes when the game gets away from you a little bit, you're going to be more aggressive, and sometimes you need to be more patient,” Brown said, via Daniel Donabedian. “So for me personally, I could have been more patient.”
Brown has been Boston’s best player this season. More often than not, he’s been the driving force behind the offense and the overall production on the court, playing high-level basketball on both ends of the floor. He’s also adjusting to having Jayson Tatum back in the rotation, which has altered the touches and shots that are coming his way.
Nevertheless, Celtics fans should be happy to hear one of their star players is holding himself to such a high standard. Brown is a leader in the locker room, and the accountability he’s showing will only serve to teach others to hold themselves to a higher standard.
More Celtics: Celtics' Jayson Tatum Got Key Advice Before Decision To Return