Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 109-100 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, scoring 36 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. This performance came despite a nagging right knee injury that had sidelined him for parts of the regular season.
Brown played 42 minutes, demonstrating his readiness to carry a heavier offensive load with Jayson Tatum sidelined. His scoring, rebounding, and playmaking were crucial, especially in the third quarter when he spearheaded an 11-0 run. Teammates praised his "warrior mentality" and willingness to sacrifice for the team.
Brown's performance addressed concerns about his knee injury's impact on his playoff performance. While his long-term health remains a question, Game 2 showed his ability to perform at a high level despite the injury.
Despite the win and his strong performance, Brown expressed a desire for the Celtics to improve their offensive efficiency, particularly their shooting percentage. He acknowledged the importance of Jayson Tatum's potential return in Game 3 but also emphasized his own readiness to step up when needed.