BOSTON — Jaylen Brown just missed out on his second straight All-NBA team selection on Wednesday night and responded with his best game of the postseason in Game 2 against the Pacers.
The All-Star wing erupted for 40 points in a 126-110 victory over Indiana to give Boston a 2-0 series lead. After the standout performance, Brown first tried to downplay when he was asked about whether he was motivated by the perceived snub from the All-NBA team.
“No I wouldn’t say that,” Brown said. “I mean, we’re two games from the final. So honestly, I don’t got the time to give a ****.”
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However, when pressed about his feelings about being overlooked in the NBA, Brown expressed some frustration about how he is judged compared to other elite talents around the league.
“I watch guys get praised and anointed who I feel are half as talented as me on either side of the ball,” Brown said. “But at this point in my life, I just embrace it. It comes with being who I am and what I stand for, and I ain’t changing that.
“I just come out and I’m grateful to step out onto the floor each and every night, put my best foot forward and get better each and every year. Whether people appreciate it or not, it is what it is.”
Tyrese Haliburton was one of the players who earned third-team All-NBA honors over Brown, yet it was evident that Brown was the much better player on the floor throughout Game 2 and perhaps this entire postseason. Brown had his way offensively against the point guard and the vast majority of the Pacers defenders. He’s now shooting 54 percent from the field through 10 postseason games while averaging 24.8 points per game.
“I mean, he has it going and, and ya’ll see what I see, great player, great leader but wants to win and takes things into his own hands,” Jrue Holiday said. “Having a guy like that on my side, I love it. I ride for him and whatever I can do to, obviously, that win is needed, but the way JB is playing man is outstanding.”
Brown and the Celtics will have a chance to go 3-0 in their series against the Pacers in Indianapolis on Saturday night.
