Jaylen Brown delivered a 50-point, six-assist performance Saturday night as the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, further solidifying their recent surge in the Eastern Conference standings.
Brown Dominates on Both Ends
The veteran wing asked to guard Kawhi Leonard and limited the All-Star while turning in his highest scoring game of the season. “Basketball is rebounding, defense, defensive versatility, making plays,” Brown said postgame, pushing back on what he considers an overemphasis on offense. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Brown is holding opponents to 39.4% shooting, the NBA’s second-best mark behind Cason Wallace and just ahead of Victor Wembanyama.
Teammates expected a breakout. “When I saw that Player of the Month with the stats he posted in December, I knew what was coming,” center Luka Garza said.
Walsh Responds to Bench Role
Third-year wing Jordan Walsh came off the bench for the first time since Nov. 11 after being sat in the second half of Thursday’s win in Sacramento. He responded with 13 points and 13 rebounds in 29.5 minutes. “Every time I’m on the court, I’ve got to constantly make it hard for everybody else,” Walsh said. “If that’s the situation I’m in again now, that’s what I got to be ready for.”
Mazzulla Sees Identity Forming
Head coach Joe Mazzulla credited the recent road stretch for clarifying Boston’s playing style. “We’ve developed our identity over the last month, month and a half,” he said. Guard Derrick White, who scored 29 points against the Clippers, added, “Everybody kind of doubted us. We’ve got a lot of guys with a chip on their shoulder.”
Front Office Direction
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens entered the season weighing whether to buy or sell at the trade deadline. A 6-1 trip has pushed Boston to within a half-game of second place, and MassLive reports that the run positions Stevens to pursue roster upgrades rather than tax-saving departures.
The Celtics continue their West Coast swing Monday against the Lakers.
Source: Hoops Rumors
