The Boston Celtics need nothing short of a big performance from Jaylen Brown on Friday night as they face elimination again in Game 6 of their second-round NBA playoffs matchup against the New York Knicks.
With Jayson Tatum out of commission, Boston needs Brown to step up in a major way as they face a 3-2 series deficit against the Knicks.
Brown kicked things off in the right direction after he made history in the first quarter of their do-or-die clash in Madison Square Garden.
Brown knocked down a deep ball from 30 feet out at the 4:06 mark of the first quarter to cut down New York's early lead to just one point. It was the four-time All-Star's second triple of the night and his 262nd career three-pointer in the postseason, which allowed Brown to climb the all-time leaderboard.
The NBA sent Brown a congratulatory message after the Celtics star surpassed seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry for the No. 17 spot on the esteemed list.
"Congrats to @FCHWPO of the @celtics for moving into 17th on the all-time playoff 3-POINTERS MADE list!" the league posted on X.
The Celtics will need Brown to keep his foot on the gas, with the 6-foot-6 forward already up to 13 points as of writing.
The Knicks, however, came out firing in the second quarter and have now amassed a 47-27 lead with five minutes remaining in the half.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson shoots against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson shoots against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Boston needs to dig deep and try and mount a comeback sooner rather than later because failing to do so will mark the end of the line for them and their title defense.
The Knicks, on the other hand, will secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers with a win on Friday night.