Prior to Sunday, the Boston Celtics had never been contained quite like that. It was an unprecedented occurrence, not just for this season, but in the history of the franchise. While most teams typically focus on limiting Jaylen Brown’s scoring output, the Golden State Warriors took a different approach by actively encouraging him to take shots.
Draymond Green, assigned to defend Brown, consistently maintained a significant distance from the Celtics’ All-Star player. Even when Brown had possession of the ball, Green opted to keep his space, challenging the Boston wing to take the shot. This tactic was designed to allow Green the freedom to disrupt plays elsewhere on the court. Some Celtics players speculated that Golden State employed this strategy not only to contain Brown but also to unsettle him mentally.
Jrue Holiday described it as a psychological tactic, stating, “I found it more like a mind game. I think some people try to do that. But JB is built different. His mental is at a different level. So he’s probably not the best person to do that to.”
Despite the initial challenge, Brown swiftly dismantled the defensive scheme with a remarkable 19 points within the first seven minutes of the game. The Celtics went on to dominate the Warriors with a resounding 140-88 victory, a margin wide enough that Green and Stephen Curry were benched for the entire second half.
However, during the first timeout when the game was tied midway through the opening quarter, there was still uncertainty surrounding how effective Golden State’s unorthodox strategy would be. Before Joe Mazzulla addressed the team during the timeout, Holiday approached Brown and emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive mindset as long as the Warriors persisted with their defensive approach. Al Horford and Payton Pritchard echoed similar sentiments, encouraging Brown to exploit the opportunity presented by the Warriors’ defensive lapses. The consensus among the Celtics players was clear: if Golden State continued to disregard Brown’s scoring threat, he was to take full advantage of the situation by taking more shots from beyond the arc.
“I think that’s what everybody was saying,” Holiday recalled. “We were kind of screaming it. Obviously we know that JB can shoot the ball, so don’t think about it. If they leave you open, it’s just like a normal shot for you. So knock it in.”
The sequence of events showcased Brown’s offensive prowess and mental resilience in the face of Golden State’s unconventional tactics. His teammates rallied behind him, urging him to capitalize on the defensive strategy employed by the Warriors. Brown’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure was evident as he confidently responded to the challenge posed by Green and the Warriors.
Brown’s exceptional performance not only thwarted Golden State’s game plan but also propelled the Celtics to a commanding lead. The team’s relentless offense and stifling defense overwhelmed the Warriors, reminiscent of the dominance Golden State once exhibited over its opponents.
As the Celtics continue to assert their presence in the league with an impressive 11-game winning streak, their collective strength and unwavering focus have positioned them as formidable contenders. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the Celtics’ current form, describing them as “lethal” and expressing confidence in their championship potential.
The deliberate defensive strategy employed by the Warriors against Brown highlighted their attempt to disrupt the Celtics’ rhythm and test their mental fortitude. However, Boston’s composed response and decisive performance underscored their maturity and growth as a team. Brown’s standout display on both ends of the court showcased his leadership and determination to elevate his game in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, the Celtics remain poised to confront any challenges that come their way with resilience and humility. Brown’s reflections on the game against the Warriors not only exemplified his confidence but also revealed a sense of respect and humility towards the competition. As the Celtics strive for success, they approach each game with a blend of confidence and humility, acknowledging the unpredictability of the sport while remaining steadfast in their pursuit of excellence.