Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylen Brown Detailed the Celtics’ Focusing on Their Standard Following the Win Over the Pelicans
The Boston Celtics got back on track after their horrific loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 118-112 on Monday night.
New Orleans had an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, as it took all hands on deck for the Celtics to pull off the big win, led by Derrick White's 13 points in the fourth. He had 17, and Jayson Tatum led the way with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, shooting 10-18 from the field. Jaylen Brown also filled the sheet with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists of his own.
Boston's starters combined for 88 points after no sort of production on Saturday night. Jrue Holiday also had 20 points of his own, with Al Horford and Sam Hauser combining for 22. The C's shot 37 percent from three-point range, compared to the Pelicans 28.6.
Following the victory, Brown spoke about acknowledging Boston's opponents getting up and circling the calendar for when they see the Celtics coming up. He knows they need to finish strong if they may be underperforming.
"Just got to stay the course," Brown said. "Each and every night, team's got the Celtics circled on their schedule, so it's an honor in that, and also a humility in that, and a respect level in that that we got to put our best foot forward every single night. We can't come lolly-gagging through the game, and we got to fight for that standard."
The multi-time All-Star understands that every game will not be perfect and shots will not always fall, but the focus and energy need to remain the same.
"Some nights we're gonna make shots, some nights we're not, but we have a standard for certain things: defensive intensity, rebounding the basketball, playing with effort, and sharing the ball. We find that we'll be in most games, and we'll win most games," Brown said. "Those are the things I fight for as our standard. We make or miss shots on a nightly basis for 82 games. Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn't, but the standard needs to remain the same."
The Celtics will be put to the test tonight when they host the Indiana Pacers on TNT in what could likely be a return game for Tyrese Haliburton.
Further Reading
Jrue Holiday Hopes Celtics Tenure Extends Beyond This Season
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season
Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
