Boston Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown explained how eager he was to get back on the floor and play better after a Game 2 loss to the Miami Heat.
Brown had been involved in a dispute with teammate Marcus Smart in the aftermath of Game 2, and said he hoped to put the distractions aside and go out and ball:
“To be honest, I didn’t get much sleep the last 48 hours,” Brown said, via Sam Amick of The Athletic. “I was so antsy to get back and play basketball. I don’t think the last two games exemplify what this team is about. So, I couldn’t wait to come out and be the best version of myself and try to add to a win. And I’m glad to be a part of this team and this organization and I’m proud of how we responded. … At the end of the day, we’re a family. We represent this organization. We represent each other and we won’t ever let anything come in between that. We’ve got a tremendous opportunity and we understand that and nothing’s going to stop us from trying to maximize that.”
The Celtics indeed seemed intent on putting past series woes behind them, controlling Game 3 against the Heat and climbing back into the series.
For his part, Brown had one of his best games of the playoffs. The 23-year-old scored 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field, also contributing seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. Brown finished the contest plus-15 in terms of plus-minus, giving the Celtics quality minutes on both ends of the floor.
Brown might also have been encouraged by the return of Gordon Hayward, who gave the Celtics added playmaking and ball handling while facilitating more ball movement.
Boston's season was on the brink after a loss in Game 2. But Brown and Co. were eager to put the first two games of the series behind them, and they did so with a convincing win on Saturday.
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