Boston Celtics news 365: Jaylen Brown determined to play vs. 76ers
Slowed by a hamstring injury, Boston Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown says he wouldn’t miss the second-round matchup against the 76ers for the world.
A rivalry between two great sports cities will be renewed Monday night when the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. With the resurrected rivalry comes a new chapter of young players, including one player who is very determined to get back on the court to help his team win.
That player is second-year swingman Jaylen Brown.
Following a hamstring injury suffered in Game 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Brown is entering the second-round series as questionable. In fact, Celtics head coach has the emerging star as doubtful entering Game 1.
As the team has been all season with the slew of injuries suffered to their main players, Stevens is focused on Jaylen Brown’s long-term health and doesn’t want to turn the Grade 1 hamstring strain into something that can linger into next season.
"“He still has some soreness,” Stevens told reporters Sunday. “Didn’t try to do anything that I know of running-wise today. Did have some testing and that looked good, thankfully. So, doubtful for tomorrow, but I guess he could play. It looks like it could be something that allows him to play as the series goes on.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
If there is any chance he will play, better believe Jaylen Brown will be on that court. In Game 7, we saw how determined he was to get back on the court. He was seen riding the stationary bike, stretching out the hamstring and attempting to run. It was announced during the broadcast that he was available to return to the game, but the Celtics ended up running away from the Bucks so his services weren’t needed.
Against Philadelphia, however, Jaylen Brown will be needed. But, it sounds like Stevens and the team is willing to sacrifice the first couple games in order to have Brown available later in the series. Already without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, not having Brown’s 20.5 points a game in the playoffs will put the team at a greater disadvantage.
That is one of the reasons the emerging star is determined to play Monday night, even if he has to take pills to get on the court.
"“I hate taking pills,” Brown said, via WEEI. “Like, I probably haven’t taken a pill in over 10 years. But they’ve got me taking anti-inflammatories and stuff like that. So just whatever it takes. Because I wouldn’t miss this next series for the world.”"
As of Monday afternoon, Brown is listed as doubtful to play. Whether he actually gets in the game or not will depend how he looks and feels after the team’s shoot-around. With a rivalry set to renew between two historical franchises, it wouldn’t be a rivalry without a little intrigue and anticipation.
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A very determined Jaylen Brown is definitely providing that. But it all won’t be worth it if he hurts the team by returning too early.