The Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown has taken on the challenge of guarding top players before. But, marking and guarding Stephen Curry? Oh! That’s a beast you’re trying to tame. The Warriors star never stops moving, always lurking for a deep three. And after the Celtics’ tough OT loss to the Hawks, Brown wanted to set the tone. Thus, in their dominant 125-85 win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday, he revealed he personally asked to take on Curry.

Jaylen Brown knew the Celtics had a challenge on their hands after a tough overtime loss and a draining travel schedule. “Everybody was a little beaten up,” he admitted. But when coach Joe Mazzulla brought up the idea of guarding Curry, Brown was all in. “Just trying to take that challenge, chasing a guy around. It’s not easy,” he said. Still, he was ready to do whatever it took to get the win.

After the Celtics’ blowout win, JB didn’t hold back at the post-game presser. “I feel like I’m using the want to set the tone,” he said, adding that without him, “we kind of have a sluggish start.” Brown knows his role has changed over the years but stays unfazed. “Things get switched up,” he admitted. “Just got to be alright with that.” As for complaints? “I don’t really complain or anything,” he said. “I just try to come out and be the best version of myself.”

The Celtics wasted no time taking control against a shorthanded Warriors squad missing four key players. They pounced early, especially when Curry hit the bench, and the rest of the Golden State Warriors just couldn’t keep up. Then came the third quarter, where Jaylen Brown & Co. turned up the heat, outscoring the Warriors 43-24 and leaving no doubt who owned the night. And just for once, Steph wouldn’t turn around and say “Proud daddy of the Boston Celtics.”

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Brown, dropped 17 points, backing up Tatum’s 22, KP’s 18, and Pritchard’s 14. Holiday chipped in 10, and Hauser tossed in 11. Simply put, whoever touched the floor for Boston kept the scoreboard ticking. The result? A crushing 40-point blowout over Steve Kerr’s fading dynasty.

But the point is, Jaylen Brown is happy with switching roles in a snap? As he mentioned: “I feel like at different times in my career that’s been me to help negate that. But, in different years, things get switching up things get switched up.” He says he’s not someone who complains, but will the Celtics’ head coach take his superstar’s word as an alarm? Is tension brewing in the locker room?

Joe Mazzulla imposes his trust on Jaylen Brown and Co. amidst rotation switches

You’ve got to hand it to Jaylen Brown—he knows how to nail his role. Whether he’s scoring big or locking down top opponents, JB’s got his game on point. But with Joe Mazzulla‘s new rotation, the 28-year-old might just be feeling extra pleased. His post-game interview? Let’s just say it hinted at a shift in mindset, but we’ll have to wait for confirmation.

To clear up the buzz around JB’s new role against the Warriors, Joe Mazzulla gave some insight. “You trust them,” he said, “You trust the work they put in their career. I mean, you trust the work they put in daily.” Mazzulla knows Brown’s commitment off the court, too. “It’s a lot of trust just seeing the way he carries himself,” he explained. For Mazzulla, it’s all about finding ways to help JB succeed. “How can I put you in a better situation?” he asked. “It’s my job to make sure we can put them in the best position.”

Currently, Jaylen Brown is averaging 23.1 ppg, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. With 45.1 FG% and 32% 3-points, he is having a brilliant season so far. But then, there are days when there are slumps- it’s a part of his everyday drill as a high-performance athlete. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP hasn’t left his lethal garb yet. So, you surely need to watch out for him.

Meanwhile, tension or not, Joe Mazzulla is clear that he trusts JB and his efforts for the team. Therefore, there might be more instances when we’ll see the power forward taking up different roles and acing all of them like the pro that he is.