Intuit Dome was hoping for another blockbuster night. It almost turned into one, until the Boston Celtics pushed their way through in OT. Nonetheless, a solid game for the LA Clippers despite their 114-117 loss against the reigning champs. However, the ones to be most concerned after the game should be Joe Mazzulla and Co. Defensively, what was that? Jaylen Brown? Oh well, he looked off-rhythm for most of the game. And now, there is some troubling information right before their Lakers face-off on Thursday!

Jaylen Brown almost handed the Clippers a win. Two late-game turnovers? Ouch. Those miscues practically screamed “overtime!” But Boston escaped. Barely. They clawed back in the extra time. Although Brown topped the Celtics’ scoring with 25 points, his defense was pretty questionable. And here’s the twist: after the game, while praising Jaden Springer’s defensive hustle, Brown confessed.

Speaking to the media in a post-game conversation the 3x All-Star guard spoke extensively about 22-year-old Jaden Springer’s role in Wednesday’s game. “That was tough and as a season goes on you need every guy on your team and that is just a testament to him and his work ethic. He’s got his name called,” JB said about Springer. “Defensively, we weren’t at our best. Like Kevin Porter was getting the best of us. I rolled my ankle in the second quarter again. So that kinda slowed me down and Jaden just came in and just hawked the ball, gave us some energy on defense, and helped us get a win.”

Jaden Springer swooped in on time to save the day. In 20 minutes of gameplay, the guard gave the C’s that missing energy on defense and helped them push through. “That’s huge. Then he hit some big shots on the other end. So it was definitely a great Jaden Springer game.” But, speaking of physical health, Jaylen Brown hasn’t been doing particularly well lately.

He’s been a workhorse. Every game. Through a brutal stretch: five games in seven days. It all wraps up Thursday against the Lakers. And that ankle? Just one thing bothering the Celtics star, apparently. But Brown’s not backing down. He’s ready to rumble with LeBron and AD. Back-to-back in LA? Bring it on, he seems to say. “Just pushing through,” Brown said. “I think this is definitely the rougher part, physically, during the season. I got some injuries and things like that. But I try to make myself available every night. I’ll make no excuses. But it is what it is. I’m a little beat up. But I’ll be ready tomorrow.”

That’s the kind of leadership, the kind of force JB brings to the court for the Boston Celtics. So far, he’s missed only seven games this season. But rest assured, he will be there on the floor against the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s not a complainer, like he’s said before, a couple hundred times. And on Wednesday, he showed up for the team when they needed him the most.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum led the Celtics’s to the winning line in a tight game vs. Clippers

Jaylen Brown (25 points) and Jayson Tatum (24 points) tag-teamed the Clippers, leading the Celtics to a 117-113 OT thriller. It was a bit of a makeshift matchup, with both squads missing some big names. Meanwhile, Derrick White joined the party with 20 points, and Sam Hauser went boom, tying his season-high with five three-pointers. The Celtics were without Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis for the night. Talk about a nail-biter! At the same time, there’s good news for the C’s, they’ll have KP and Holiday back in the lineup on Thursday against the Lakers.

Meanwhile, the LA Clippers rested Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac for their matchup against the 2024 champs. You cannot call this a bad idea, because Kevin Porter Jr. and Amir Coffey were an eyesore for their rivals.

It’s truly concerning for Joe Mazzulla now with Jaylen Brown’s persistent issues this season. He’s playing his best in every game. But is it 100%? No. You can see him struggling, the lethal spark seems to have dimmed a bit. Then again, we’re talking about the dedicated 2024 NBA Finals MVP. We know what he can do. So, don’t worry (I guess), JB will be back in his form in no time. And, watch out for Thursday night as the Celtics clash with the Lakers in a mighty showdown!