BOSTON — As the Celtics enter the final stretch of the regular season, they’ve played some of their best ball as they’ve put together a nine-game winning streak. They had to do it in a different way in their win over the 76ers, relying less on 3-pointers but getting plenty of shots at the rim and free throws.
Leading the way in Tuesday’s win was Jaylen Brown, who put together a 31-point night. But it was his efficiency that stuck out as he was a smooth 11-for-14 from the field, along with an 8-for-10 showing from the free throw line. It’s why C’s coach Joe Mazzulla praised Brown for his recent play.
“He’s just always in attack mode,” Mazzulla said. “I love what Jaylen’s doing. I love the work he’s putting in, I love the poise he’s playing with on the offensive end, I love the way he’s getting different baskets whether he’s handling. Whether it’s in transition, the poise he’s playing with in the post, he’s really reading the game and taking advantage of it. … So being defined by playmaking in general, and it’s something he’s really taken ownership of.”
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In the three games since the break, Brown has averaged 27.3 points per game while shooting 62% from the field. He’s been under control for the most part as he’s been a valuable piece of the puzzle for the Celtics as they’re now a league-best 46-12 on the season.
Brown’s counting stats have taken a dip this season, mainly because of the many talented players on the C’s roster. Jayson Tatum has also seen his numbers have modest decreases, but that’s been in the name of sacrifice. Brown has stepped up in his game in other areas this season, namely on defense as he’s taken intentionally done so as a leader.
“Just coming out and being aggressive,” Brown said. “Over the break, I was able to get some rest and recharge, come out and start taking those next steps to get ready for the playoffs. Being aggressive, also being patient, finding our guys in rhythm and just taking it to another level.”
The Celtics had to win in a different way than normal Thursday. The 3-pointers have come in heavy numbers for the C’s, but they were instead limited to season-lows in makes and attempts as they finished 5-for-22. That was the game plan for the Sixers.
But the C’s overcame the 76ers anyway in the win. They dominated other facets of the game, whether that was outrebounding the Sixers 56-28, getting to the free throw line 37 times and outscoring the visitors 64-42 in the paint. So it was a learning experience, too, for Brown and the Celtics as they won in a different way.
“It’s good to get teams that are going to play us in different ways,” Brown said. “Tonight they took away the 3-point line. Next game or other teams might go zone to try to slow you down. Other teams might switch everything. As a student of the game you embrace the challenge. As you get older you start to think the game and see how different coaches like to implement their gameplan.”
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