Boston Celtics star passes critical tests in series win over Magic
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BOSTON — While Jaylen Brown was on the injury report ahead of multiple games against the Magic in the first round, the Celtics star expectedly suited up for every contest. So even though he’s dealt with a bone bruise in his right knee, these are the playoffs, so guys are playing through whatever’s slowing them down.
There have been times where Brown doesn’t look all the way himself as his explosiveness isn’t quite there. But there are still flashes where the All-Star can impact the game, much like he did in Game 5 against the Magic. Brown admitted it took some time for him to get going, but he was able to break through in the second half. Regardless, Brown’s impact was felt this series was he passed some critical tests.
“In the first half, it took me a minute to kind of get warmed up,” Brown said. “But in the second half, I felt a little bit better at the start of the third quarter. But definitely something I’ve got to be better at, just starting the games. And that’s usually what I do. I’m usually the one that throws the first punch, but my body didn’t feel great until the second half.”
Brown finished with 23 points and six rebounds in the blowout Game 5 victory. The Celtics were tested in a physical set of games against the Magic, but they come away with the 4-1 series victory to advance to the second round. It’s the fourth straight year, along with the eighth time in the last nine years, the Celtics have advanced to at least the second round.
Plus the Celtics get some much-needed rest ahead of the second round. They’re already banged up between Brown’s knee, Jrue Holiday’s hamstring and Jayson Tatum’s wrist. But with the Pistons vs. Knicks series going at least six games, the Celtics will be afforded at least a few extra days of rest. The Celtics know all those days add up over the course of what they hope will be another long playoff run.
“We don’t take it for granted,” Brown said. “I’ve been able to play a lot of basketball in the playoffs. Each win, each time we advance, you don’t take it for granted. So I’m grateful to be able to move forward to play in the second round. We did a great job from coaching staff, organization, everybody for us to advance. Looking forward to what’s next.”
The Celtics’ path, of course, only gets harder from here. The Magic were feisty but a flawed team that had issues scoring. The opponents only get more difficult from here as the C’s look to repeat as champions. For that, they’ll need to be as healthy as possible.
“Once he got healthy to start off the series, his defense is back to kind of where it was throughout the season, and just his playmaking,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said of Brown. “He does a great job of getting to his spot, getting the shot that he wants or getting it for his teammates.”
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Read the original article on MassLive.
