In what was supposed to be the biggest game of the 2017-18 NBA season for Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown instead turned into tragedy. That is because, in the hours leading up to the Celtics' marquee showdown with the Golden State Warriors, Brown found out his best friend had passed away.

Despite the heartache, the second-year man has been playing some inspired basketball as of late. However, he is questionable for tonight's matchup versus the Indiana Pacers as he attends the funeral of his late friend. Although Brown was initially planning to play, head coach Brad Stevens has given him permission to take all the time he needs, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg:

“I think Brad has been really great in this process,” Brown said. “Not even just somebody to talk to, also just allowing you to deal with what's best, my family, and [Steede's] family, so everybody can deal with it. He's been great. We'll see how it goes, and hopefully I'll be able to make it [to Indiana].”

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Dealing with personal loss has become an all too familiar feeling around the Celtics organization as of late with the unfortunate death of former superstar Isaiah Thomas' sister during last year's playoffs. However, Stevens has remained consistent about dealing with the things in life that are bigger than basketball.

Much like Thomas, Brown noted that basketball has been a good distraction for him through the mourning process. Should he miss tonight's game, stepping up in his place will likely be guards Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier.