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In recent years, the Boston Celtics have been scrutinized for their lack of playoff success, and there is more pressure than ever before after the team put together a historic regular season, but Jaylen Brown is pulling from those past losses to deal with the ups and downs of the playoffs after advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
“Whatever you do is going to be scrutinized — or no matter how good you are, it's never going to be enough or (bring) any praise or any media attention,” Jaylen Brown said, via Jay King of The Athletic. “It's tough, but at the same time it is what it is. You've gotta embrace that villain. And as I'm getting older I'm starting to embrace it more. Embracing not giving a f*** whether they see (his value) or don't see it, whether they appreciate it or don't appreciate it. I'm focused on helping my team, helping my family, helping the city and I go from there.”
Brown received a lot of criticism after last year's loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, especially after his struggles in the Game 7 loss at home. It is apparent that he has hardened after the criticism he has received over the years. The Celtics fanbase is demanding, and to a certain extent, understandably so. The team has had a roster that is capable of competing for championships for several years, but has not broken through yet.
Celtics' path to the NBA Finals
Some have expressed the idea that the Celtics have had an easy road so far in the playoffs, beating the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers in the first two rounds with both teams dealing with injuries to key players. Brown refused to speak on that idea.
“I don't think there's any such thing as an easy path,” Brown said, via King. “We've gotta come out and play. … I've got no comment on that (notion). And we're not going to apologize for winning.”
The Celtics now wait on the result of the second round series between New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers to know their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks currently lead the series 3-2 and will look to close it out in Game 6 on Friday. Brown believes the Celtics will be ready for either opponent.
“Definitely gotta get ready to just bring it,” Brown said, via King. “Both of those teams play hard as s***. That's what you've gotta be ready for. It's just, how bad do you want it? Those dudes are out there putting their lives on the line, it seems like. They're diving for loose balls, pulling hamstrings, whatever. How much are we willing to do that? That's going to be the key.”
Anything short of a championship would be a disappointment for the Celtics. Whether it is the Knicks or Pacers, they should be favorites in that series.
