Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla showered praise on Jaylen Brown after their 126-110 win in the second game of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday. Mazzulla said Brown understands that winning is the most important thing for the team.
Brown matched the playoff career high of 40 points and played a key role in helping his team take a 2-0 lead in the series.
“I think he cares about it in a way that motivates him, and I think he doesn’t really care about it at all,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said as quoted by AP.
“He understands that winning is the most important thing,” Mazzulla said. “He just cares about the right stuff.”
Asked if the All-NBA snub motivated him, Brown said, “I wouldn’t say that.” Asked to elaborate, he said colorfully: “We’re two games from the finals. I don’t got time to (care).”
Jayson Tatum and Derrick White scored 23 points each and Jrue Holiday had 15 points and 10 assists as the top-seeded Celtics came up with a collective show.
Pascal Siakam scored 28 points for Indiana but the Pacers suffered a huge blow as Tyrese Haliburton suffered a left hamstring injury, the same injury which had kept him out of 10 matches in January.
“We need Ty, but ‘next man’ mentality,” Siakam said. “We’ve got to play together. This team got where we’re at by playing together. … It’s on us to continue.”
Jrue Holiday also lauded Jaylen Brown for his impressive performance as he came up with his best.
“I mean, he has it going,” Holiday said. “Y’all see what I see. Great player. Great leader. But wants to win. And takes thinks into his own hands. So I’m glad to have him on my side. I ride with him. The way JB’s been playing, man, it’s outstanding.”
The third game of the series will be played on Saturday.
