BOSTON — As the Celtics enter the NBA Playoffs against the Magic, plenty of attention is on Jaylen Brown’s bone bruise in his right knee. The Celtics star was slowed down at the end of the regular season due to the issue that required an injection. But heading into the playoffs, he’s ready to go.
Brown declined to speak about his knee Saturday from the Auerbach Center, coming off the Celtics’ practice. But he confirmed he won’t be on a minutes restriction and feels good going into Game 1 on Sunday against the Magic in the first-round series.
“He looks good,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He was able to do everything, no limitations. He’s been great, physically, mentally, really preparing himself, ready to go. So, love the week that he had.”
Brown’s teammates echoed their head coach’s report, praising the All-Star for how he looked during practices and his mental resiliency. While the C’s are heavy favorites over the Magic in the first round, Brown’s health is also a long-term factor. The playoffs are long and grueling, so the Celtics will hope Brown’s knee can hold up for the next several weeks.
Brown also gained necessary experience down the stretch of the regular season. He dealt with the bone bruise for the past month, needing to play through the issue. That was necessary, he explained, so he knows what his limitations are during actual game reps. Instead of relying on his athleticism and explosiveness, Brown said he thought the game more in an effort to make a consistent impact.
“It was great,” Brown said. “I appreciate Joe and the training staff. We had a good game plan that we were kind of like filling it out. I know my body pretty well. But the decisions that were made I felt what was best. I think I’m going to use some of that stuff in my back pocket as we go forward. That was a good test for me.”
The Celtics will need Brown at his best when the stakes are highest — there’s a reason he was named both East Finals and NBA Finals MVP last season. Brown endured injuries throughout the season, limiting his impact. But there were still signs of growth in his game, adding in the playmaking department.
Fortunately, heading into Game 1, the Celtics don’t have other injury issues they’re worrying too much about. Kristaps Porzingis said he’s feeling good as he didn’t deal with any injuries during the season, other than his viral illness. Jrue Holiday is also playing through his rare pinky issue, though that’s not serious. So the Celtics will put all their attention to Game 1 against the Magic come Sunday.
“Just preparing your mind, more than anything, to expect the unexpected,” Brown said. “We expect Orlando to come out and play with great force. They’re a good young team who’s hungry, so expect that intensity level. So I think setting your mind first for what you may need to be prepared for, and then once you do that, your body kind of follows suit. So just preparing mentally for a tough physical matchup, and taking it from there.”
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BOSTON — As the Celtics enter the NBA Playoffs against the Magic, plenty of attention is on Jaylen Brown’s bone bruise in his right knee. The Celtics star was slowed down at the end of the regular season due to the issue that required an injection. But heading into the playoffs, he’s ready to go.
Brown declined to speak about his knee Saturday from the Auerbach Center, coming off the Celtics’ practice. But he confirmed he won’t be on a minutes restriction and feels good going into Game 1 on Sunday against the Magic in the first-round series.
“He looks good,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He was able to do everything, no limitations. He’s been great, physically, mentally, really preparing himself, ready to go. So, love the week that he had.”
Brown’s teammates echoed their head coach’s report, praising the All-Star for how he looked during practices and his mental resiliency. While the C’s are heavy favorites over the Magic in the first round, Brown’s health is also a long-term factor. The playoffs are long and grueling, so the Celtics will hope Brown’s knee can hold up for the next several weeks.
Brown also gained necessary experience down the stretch of the regular season. He dealt with the bone bruise for the past month, needing to play through the issue. That was necessary, he explained, so he knows what his limitations are during actual game reps. Instead of relying on his athleticism and explosiveness, Brown said he thought the game more in an effort to make a consistent impact.
“It was great,” Brown said. “I appreciate Joe and the training staff. We had a good game plan that we were kind of like filling it out. I know my body pretty well. But the decisions that were made I felt what was best. I think I’m going to use some of that stuff in my back pocket as we go forward. That was a good test for me.”
The Celtics will need Brown at his best when the stakes are highest — there’s a reason he was named both East Finals and NBA Finals MVP last season. Brown endured injuries throughout the season, limiting his impact. But there were still signs of growth in his game, adding in the playmaking department.
Fortunately, heading into Game 1, the Celtics don’t have other injury issues they’re worrying too much about. Kristaps Porzingis said he’s feeling good as he didn’t deal with any injuries during the season, other than his viral illness. Jrue Holiday is also playing through his rare pinky issue, though that’s not serious. So the Celtics will put all their attention to Game 1 against the Magic come Sunday.
“Just preparing your mind, more than anything, to expect the unexpected,” Brown said. “We expect Orlando to come out and play with great force. They’re a good young team who’s hungry, so expect that intensity level. So I think setting your mind first for what you may need to be prepared for, and then once you do that, your body kind of follows suit. So just preparing mentally for a tough physical matchup, and taking it from there.”
