The Boston Celtics fell 106-93 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, but still pushed the series to a decisive Game 7. After the game, Jaylen Brown focused less on the result and more on effort, adjustments, and accountability.
Asked about Boston’s offensive rhythm, Brown pointed directly to a late-game group that cut into the deficit. “They just played harder. That group came out and was able to cut into the lead because they played harder. The group before that, we didn’t play hard enough,” he said.
Boston’s offense stalled through stretches, and Brown did not separate the issue from effort and execution. When asked about the team’s offensive fouls and approach, he acknowledged internal corrections were needed but did not frame it as a refereeing issue.
Brown also addressed being pulled late in the game with around 10 minutes remaining. “No, we just got to be better. All things considered, we’re in a great spot. Going home for Game 7, expecting a great atmosphere. Expecting a great fight from our group. Last two games wasn’t the best, but you move on,” he said.
Looking ahead to the winner-take-all matchup in Boston, Brown emphasized urgency and reset mentality. “Game 7 is a game amongst itself. The rest of the series doesn’t matter. It’s going to be about who shows up on that day and is the better performing team,” he said.
Brown also admitted adjustments are necessary after two straight difficult outings. “I think we’re playing into their hands a little bit… maybe a shift in approach could open some stuff up offensively for us,” he said.
The Celtics forward also described the need to break Philadelphia’s current control of the series. “We got to break it. Their comfort level is higher right now. Their confidence is high right now. They got a different swag to them and we got to take that,” Brown said.
He added that Boston must dictate the tone early in Game 7. “We got to be the team that throws the first punch, and that starts with me,” he said.
Brown pointed to his own foul trouble as a turning point that limited his impact on both ends. “Tonight I just got in foul trouble early and that affected my aggressiveness,” he said, adding that it disrupted his ability to sustain pressure.
Despite the setbacks, Brown kept the focus on response rather than frustration. “We got to be better than that. I got to respond. We got to respond. Take a deep breath, look at what we got, watch the film, take accountability,” he said.
With Boston returning home for Game 7, Brown framed the opportunity as a clean slate in a series defined by swings in momentum and physical adjustments on both sides.
