The Boston Celtics have misplaced 11 of their final 26 video games. They’ve additionally dropped eight of those games coming off the again of a win. Jaylen Brown has been among the many largest targets for criticism throughout that stretch. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP is but to hit the heights of final season.
Brown has struggled on each side of the ball. He is falling asleep on protection, typically getting back-cut. His effectivity on offense has additionally begun to slip. Nonetheless, it is value remembering that the three-time All-Star has been enjoying on a rolled ankle for the reason that Jan. 18 loss towards the Atlanta Hawks. He damage the identical ankle once more in the course of the Celtics loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
“I’m nonetheless making an attempt to get my burst and my explosion again,” Brown said. “I didn’t end numerous baskets across the rim, simply because it’s messing with me a bit bit. However it’s going to get there… After which I’ve been just a bit bit banged up, however pushing by way of,” Brown stated. “Tonight wasn’t an incredible displaying for our group energy-wise. I missed numerous baskets across the rim and my group wants me to make these. So I would like to have the ability to produce for my group.”
Brown is not the one member of the Celtics roster coping with accidents. Jrue Vacation has missed a number of video games this 12 months, and Kristaps Porzingis was absent for the opening six weeks of the season. Sam Hauser is simply beginning to get again to himself following a persistent again subject that has restricted his effectiveness all through the primary half of the season.
However, Boston might have executed with out Brown’s influence declining. The present droop is the worst of the Joe Mazzulla period and has some sections of the fan base questioning whether the team can repeat its championship success of final season. Happily for the Celtics, the New York Knicks have additionally been battling inconsistency, so Boston’s missteps are going considerably unpunished within the Japanese Convention standings.
The Celtics are in want of a break. The All-Star weekend cannot come quickly sufficient. Nonetheless, if Brown or some other member of the rotation is enjoying with a slight damage, now’s the time to take a seat them. Sure, outcomes could proceed to harm, however not less than then, the roster can get again to full energy. In any other case, Mazzulla is risking long-term success for the dopamine hit of inconsistent wins.
Brown’s damage is definitely unhealthy timing, however persevering with to let him play is a cube roll not value making.
