Celtics Green 10/28: Brad Stevens Increases Confidence in Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown continues to earn the confidence of head coach Brad Stevens.

There will be some growing pains, but Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is showing increasing confidence in Jaylen Brown. That confidence was evident in Thursday night’s 105-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Brown was in during the final minute of the game and committed a costly turnover. Although it was a turnover helped lead to the loss, the fact that Brown was in the game was a boost of confidence and also provided the rookie with a learning experience. The young forward was disappointed with the play, but acknowledged how much it meant that Stevens had faith in him. At the same time he put more pressure on himself to come through.

"“It means I have to do better and try and execute for my team and earn everything I get,” Brown said after the game. “I don’t want anything given to me just because I’m the number three pick in the draft.”"

Stevens shows his faith in Brown

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One of the things that makes Brad Stevens such a great coach is his ability to relate to the younger players and get the most out of them. His decision to have Brown on the floor during that critical stretch is something that may help the youngster grow quicker.

"“He (Brown) was playing pretty well and I thought we were better off playing small,” Stevens said. “I wanted to keep Jaylen in there. I thought he did a lot of good things tonight. Obviously that play didn’t go his way.”"

Brown scored a total of nine point on 4-for-7 shooting. The turnover was committed with the Celtics trailing 101-99. It led to a three-point dagger off the hands of Dwayne Wade to seal the game.

Notes & quotes

Tyler Zeller: Brad Stevens did some tweaking of the starting lineup in Thursday night’s game. Tyler Zeller started the second half to add some rebounding. He was active during a stretch in the third quarter. He scored six points, grabbed three rebounds and added an assist and blocked shot in the nine-plus minutes played in that third quarter.

Avery Bradley: Bradley had a nice game Thursday night against the Bulls. He added 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting. His ball-handling skills were on display as he distributed five assists. He was also active on the boards with six rebounds.

Avery Bradley on R.J. Hunter signing with Bulls via MassLive.com:

"“I’m just happy for him. When I found out (about the signing), we were all talking about it. We were all like, ‘Yeah man. R.J.’s on another team.’ Just happy for him. It’s part of the journey. It’s just cool to see that a team wanted him that fast and he has a chance to go out there and show his talents and prove himself.”"

Brad Stevens on rebounding woes via WEEI:

"“That’s is the No. 1 thing. That’s something that we’ve talked a lot about. We’ve got to get better at it.”"

Next: Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak Suspended Two Games For Hit On Girardi

The Boston Celtics next travel to North Carolina to take on the Charlotte Hornets Saturday night.

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