Already one of the game’s most dynamic scorers, Jaylen Brown set his sights earlier in the season on becoming an elite defender.
When the time for talk is over, Brown proved he is as dangerous in defending just as in scoring
“I believe I’m one of the best two-way wings or guards or whatever you want to say in the game,'' Brown said after his crucial block and assist to Derrick White paved the way for the Celtics’ Eastern Conference Finals sweep of the Indiana Pacers in Game 4.
On this game--or this series--he just might be.
With the score tied at 102, Brown chased a driving Andrew Nembhard to the basket, blocked his shot and found an open Derrick White, who then went to connect a clutch corner three to give the Celtics a 105-102 lead.
Jaylen Brown in the final 3 minutes to send the Celtics to the NBA Finals:
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 28, 2024
-Hit a step through to tie the game
-Blocked Nembhard at the rim
-Attacked paint, found White for go-ahead 3
29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 block in 44 minutes. A complete game by Brown. pic.twitter.com/7BZpOyWCZP
DERRICK WHITE FOR THE WIN IN INDY 🎯
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2024
The @celtics advance to the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV! pic.twitter.com/bk6LFD4MuN
After averaging nearly 30 points, two steals and shooting 52 percent, Brown was later named the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
“I wasn’t expecting [it] at all. I was just happy we won,” Brown said.
The multiple-time All-Star admitted being disappointed by his non-inclusion in this year’s All-NBA Defensive teams. His Celtics teammate in White and Jrue Holiday are in the second team.
“I felt like I should have been [a member of the] All-Defensive teams and that probably hurt me the most because that’s one of the things I set out in the season that I wanted to be. “
“But I just stopped caring. As long as my team knows my value, my city and my family that’s all I care about.”
They did, and the Celtics are back to Finals for the second time in three years as the chase for an 18th NBA title remains intact.
“We didn’t skip steps all season. I think we played the right way every single game. I held everybody accountable and this is the byproduct.”
Brown then tipped his hat to the Pacers, who played without superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton in the last two games and are in their first East Finals appearance in ten years.
“They played us [really] tough. I thought they were tough as anybody we played all-season. They were physical, fast and put a lot of pressure on us. Respect for them.
