Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jaylen Brown Laments 'I Should Have Guarded Jokic a Little Bit'
The Denver Nuggets became the only team to defeat the Boston Celtics twice this season, taking down the team with the NBA's best record, 115-109.
Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday did all they could with their clutch shooting to keep Boston in it, with Holiday help-defending Nikola Jokic. The Celtics contained him decently in those moments at the end of the game, doing all they could, but Jayson Tatum allowed Jokic's chemistry with Aaron Gordon to click. Gordon was able to get free on the weak side of the baseline, allowing him to catch lobs or clean things up at the rim.
Jaylen Brown led the charge offensively for Boston with his 41 points and 14 rebounds, even though, along with the Celtics turnovers, his seven missed free throws may have been the highlighted difference in the game. Outside of Jayson Tatum, each Celtic mostly had an answer in the clutch offensively.
Brown, with his outspoken, grown leadership this season, felt as if he should have taken the Jokic assignment, aside from some of his help in the paint.
"Jokic is just a monster down there," said the All-NBA forward. "We threw some different coverages at him; we guarded him one-on-one; we tried to have late help; and stuff like that."
The two-time MVP had another monster triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
"I felt like I should have guarded Jokic a little bit—a little more," Brown said. "I wish I would have had those opportunities a little bit. I could keep him away from the basket, and we could have took away some of those layups they got. But I feel like we still had every chance to win this game; we just came up short."
Brown's evolution in taking charge as the emotional leader has been key for Boston this season in the few times things have gone south.
The Celtics will head to Phoenix to take on the Suns on Saturday night for an 8:30 p.m. ABC primetime matchup.
Further Reading
'So Be It': Jayson Tatum's Focus Was Never MVP Case That's Likely Closed
Warriors' 'Disrespect' Only One Source of Fuel for Jaylen Brown Sunday
'The Best Team in the NBA': Luka Doncic Struck by Celtics' Balance
Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
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'
