Cal legend Jaylen Brown says Celtics must let back-to-back 20-point playoff collapses sting
Context:
The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, began the playoffs as strong contenders, easily defeating the Orlando Magic in the first round. However, they have encountered unexpected adversity in the second round, suffering two consecutive losses despite holding significant leads in both games. These collapses, particularly painful given their initial dominance, have emphasized the need for mental resilience and strategic adjustments. Jaylen Brown insists that the team must let these losses 'sting' to fuel their comeback, highlighting the importance of shifting focus and mentality to recover in the series. Despite this setback, the Celtics possess the talent and experience necessary to overcome the 2-0 deficit, with Brown urging the team to channel their disappointment into motivation for future games.
Dive Deeper:
The Boston Celtics, as defending NBA champions, entered the playoffs with high expectations, showcasing one of the league's most formidable rosters and quickly dispatching the Orlando Magic in the first round.
Jayson Tatum took the opportunity to mentor young star Paolo Banchero from the Magic, expressing pride in Banchero's growth as a player, indicating a positive mentorship relationship amidst competitive play.
Despite securing substantial leads, the Celtics have suffered two consecutive losses in the second round, leading after holding a 98% and 99% win probability in the first and second games respectively, pointing to a concerning trend in their playoff performance.
Jaylen Brown emphasized the importance of letting these losses sting to drive the team towards improvement, advocating for a shift in focus and mentality as they prepare for subsequent games.
The Celtics, facing their first significant challenge of the season, are being urged by Brown to use the pain from these losses as a catalyst for recovery, leveraging their experienced roster to overcome the current series deficit.
The Boston Celtics are the defending NBA champions and entered the season as heavy favorites. They carried that same momentum into the playoffs, boasting one of the most dangerous rosters in all of basketball.
In the first round, Boston made quick work of the Orlando Magic, finishing the series in five games. Jayson Tatum faced off against former Duke standout Paolo Banchero, a young star who once looked up to the now-Celtics fan favorite. After the series, Tatum reflected on the opportunity to mentor Banchero and see his growth.
“I got to talk to him a little bit in the hallway after the game. I didn't say two words to him during the series… I couldn't be happier for him and the player that he's become,” Tatum said.
However, the second round hasn’t gone according to plan for the Celtics. They’ve now dropped two straight games—both after holding a 20-point lead. It’s a concerning trend, especially in the playoffs. Now, Boston must head on the road and win two games to avoid an early exit.
“Celtics had a 98% win probability in Game 1 and lost. Celtics had a 99% win probability in Game 2 and lost,” Zach Kram posted.
The losses sting, particularly because of how dominant the Celtics looked early in both games. Jaylen Brown made it clear that feeling that sting is necessary to spark a turnaround.
“We’ve gotta be better to close games and we’ve gotta learn and respond fast. So that’s the key. Shift your mentality. Shift your focus. It’s in the past. It’s over with. Let it sting a little bit and do whatever it takes in Game 3,” Brown said.
The Celtics have the roster and experience to come back from a 2–0 deficit—but this is the first real adversity they’ve faced all season. Brown is counting on the team to use this pain as fuel to respond and get back into the series.