Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown wasn’t named to an All-NBA team this season. On Thursday, Brown played like he clearly belonged on one.
Brown led the Celtics to a 126-110 win over the Indiana Pacers to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brown had the TD Garden crowd in Boston, Mass. rocking as he poured in 40 points, including what felt like the dagger three-pointer in the final two minutes of the contest.
All-NBA snub Jaylen Brown is a MONSTER.
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) May 24, 2024
During his postgame press conference, Brown was asked if his 40-point performance was fueled by the All-NBA snub. (Note – the video contains profanity)
“No, I wouldn’t say that,” said Brown. “I mean, we’re two games from the Finals. So honestly, I don’t have time to give a f–k.”
Jaylen Brown on All-NBA:
"We're two games away from the Finals, so honestly I don't have the time to give a fu*k."
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 24, 2024
Brown shot at an efficient 14/27 clip with 4 made three-pointers. He also tallied 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
Last season, Brown was named to the All-NBA 2nd-Team after career highs across the board in scoring (26.6), rebounding (6.9), and field goal percentage (49.1%). But with the Celtics’ additions of former All-Stars Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason, Brown’s numbers have taken a hit this year.
However, Brown appears too locked in on winning a championship to care about padding his individual accolades. After Thursday’s win, the Celtics are just two wins away from an NBA Finals berth and six wins from hoisting up the Larry O’Brien Trophy.