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 greatest 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, usually 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 taking part in on a rolled ankle because the Jan. 18 loss in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks. He harm 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 loads of baskets across the rim, simply because it’s messing with me slightly bit. However it’ll get there… After which I’ve been just a bit bit banged up, however pushing by,” Brown stated. “Tonight wasn’t an amazing displaying for our staff energy-wise. I missed loads of baskets across the rim and my staff wants me to make these. So I would like to have the ability to produce for my staff.”
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 concern that has restricted his effectiveness all through the primary half of the season.
However, Boston might have accomplished with out Brown’s influence declining. The present stoop 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. Fortuitously 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 another member of the rotation is taking part in with a slight damage, now’s the time to sit down 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 actually unhealthy timing, however persevering with to let him play is a cube roll not value making.
