Amid the Boston Celtics’ sluggish start this season, high man Jaylen Brown knows what it takes in trusting the process.
From all the rumblings, inconsistency, and unavailability issues around the Beantown hub, he still considers optimism as the highest regard.
As the Celtics fell from the hands of Joel Embiid and rival Philadelphia 76ers on Monday evening, Brown addressed the media – claiming that the belief remains the same about Celtics turning things around.
“Do I believe in us? Absolutely, no question. I think that’s an obvious answer for me … I know people are tired of hearing it and have lost faith, but mine is unwavering.”
“It would feel a lot better if we had pulled out a win,” Brown told reporters after saying that he feels better to return to normal after the hamstring setback. “This is a game we definitely wish we could have back.”
The Celtics have severely tested so far this 2021-2022 campaign, headlined by problems regarding their main power as Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Grant Williams, Brodric Thomas, Jabari Parker, Juancho Hernangomez, and Sam Auser are shelved due to safety protocols. To further add, they have lost six out of their last nine games while holding a tough 15-16 card.
“It’s a long season but that doesn’t negate that there still needs to be a sense of urgency that still needs to be brought every single night and that’s something you’ve got to continue to set the tone on,” said Brown. “We had so many excuses that we were making tonight: It was cold in the arena, the fire alarm kind of slowed everything down, we had guys out.
“Like, who cares? We’ve just got to come out and find a way to bring energy, set the tone, and have a sense of urgency about ourselves.”
Embiid was sizzling hot down the stretch, ending the 108-103 duel with a monstrous stat line of 41 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals. The Sixers star center etched 17 markers of his total points to break the hearts of C’s for a late hot run on the final period.
“(Joel) Embiid made some tough baskets on us,” Brown said. “Some incredible shots, to be honest. And offensively we didn’t execute as well as we would have liked to down the stretch. We had a couple turnovers. And yeah, that cost us the game. Turnovers.”
The Celtics are set to fix things as an undermanned group and will defend their home floor against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday before traveling to Milwaukee for a marquee Christmas showdown against the Bucks.
