The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 104-92 on Saturday by putting on a defensive clinic. On that end of the court, Jaylen Brown was possibly their greatest difference-maker.
Zion Williamson helped New Orleans get off to an early lead by starting the game 4-for-4 from the floor. The Pelicans star was only 5-for-13 after that with Brown serving as his primary defense. From the opening tip of the second quarter onward, that enabled the C’s outscore New Orleans 76-55.
The three-time All-Star’s recent physical defense of Williamson was just one more instance of how he has made it his mission to protect the best player on the other team. Head coach Joe Mazzulla commended Brown for rising to the challenge after the game.
“I think the difference this year is the pride that he takes in guarding whoever he needs to guard, depending upon what’s best for that particular game,” Brown’s coach Mazzulla said. “Whether it’s guarding a player like Zion, who he needs to score high pickup points on, or rushing over a guard in a pick and roll and picking him up full court.
“So I think he’s understanding that he can have a crazy impact on the game in many ways without scoring and he’s taken pride in that, and I think his defensive ownership has been big for us.”
Brown stated in December that he hoped to be selected for the first time in his career to the NBA All-Defensive team.
At the time, Brown remarked, “I feel like I’m playing some of the best defense of my career.” “I committed to being on the First Team All-Defense before the season even started. I believe I have been doing that justice.
Brown ought to be considered for All-Defensive accolades by now due to his widespread recognition of his defensive work. He still has eight games left in the regular season.
After improving to an NBA-best 58-16, Brown and the Celtics will wrap up their road trip Monday night in Charlotte.
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