Jaylen Brown and the Celtics have 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
After the C's protected home court at all costs in the first two games, Brown has led the way with 21.5 points on 55.6% shooting to go along with 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.5 blocks.
Despite playing some of the best basketball during the postseason, Brown has had to answer questions surrounding narratives about him as a player. The All-Star recently sat down with ESPN's Malika Andrews to discuss these hot takes and much more.
After winning Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Brown was asked what would it mean to win the Most Valuable Player award in the NBA Finals -- which could very well become a reality.
"A championship, that's more like a team accolade and that's what we play the game for," Brown bluntly told Andrews. "The discourse around myself, that's what I don't give a fuck about. What you do as a team, that's what I do care about and that's what I want to achieve, that's what I want to be a part of, and I think that's what we're here for, but anything that's personal, that's the stuff that's rolled off my shoulder through time."
Brown did admit in the past of believing he deserved more of the credit when it came to his role with the Celtics, but over time he's gotten past it.
"Everybody who is aspiring in their career has the want and the desire to be acknowledged for their skill-set, or whatever they do in their craft, especially if they feel like they're the best," said Brown. "You don't need someone's outside validation. I don't need the acknowledgement from others."
It was just this past weekend that Mavs' coach Jason Kidd and comments about Brown being the Celtics' best player that sent some waves throughout the basketball world, as Brown's response included; "it's a team game" and "everybody has their opinions."
Still, Brown gave his star teammate Jayson Tatum much praise for his play in the NBA Finals thus far, despite some shooting struggles -- he finished with a near triple-double of 18 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds in the Celtics 105-98 win in Game 2.
"I think he's been fine. I think JT's at it to win it," said Brown. "He's helped our team get to this position. He draws a lot of attention. He has a gravity to him that has allowed others to be successful, and help our team win. I think that's what it's about. It's a team game."
With the Celtics just two wins away from winning a championship -- which would be their 18th in franchise history and first since 2008 -- Brown was asked about him envisioning finally getting over that hump to capture an NBA title.
"Yes, and you have to pull it back as much as possible," he said. "When that drifting starts to happen, that's where the door starts to open, and you have to close that door. Stay in the moment. You have to finish the job, you have to do your job every single day.
"You have to lead your team, guide your team, make sure everybody's prepared and ready. That's what’s most important."
Boston looks to take a commanding 3-0 series lead as the finals shift to Dallas Wednesday night. Game 3 will tip-off at 8:30 pm ET on ABC.
Joel Pavón
No comments:
Post a Comment