The Boston Celtics ran over a short-handed Cleveland team to get one step closer to the Finals. The Cs finished with a 109-102 victory to take a 3-1 lead for Game 5. If they so wish (and perform), the Beantown can be done with the Cavs in their next meeting. Tonight’s game saw Jaylen Brown in all his glory, as he clocked in a 27-point haul. In fact, the 3x All-Star’s clutch three sealed the deal for Boston.
Talking to the press post-game, JB turned into Anthony Edwards with quite the claim. “I just see me being aggressive. I don’t think anybody over there can really guard me. I just get into the paint, take my time, and I feel like that’s what I’ve been doing, not just in the playoffs, but all season long. So, I just get to my spots and just do what I do”. While it might seem like he is being smug with his statement, the Cavaliers truly have had no answer to Brown. Boston’s roster is filled with players who can get going at any given moment. Even without their defensive stalwart, Kristaps Porziņģis, the Cs haven’t struggled as many other teams have when missing a reliable big.
Jaylen Brown is shooting 61.2% from the field vs. Cleveland in this series.
"I don't think anybody over there can really guard me." pic.twitter.com/g0AzIMiVgC
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 14, 2024
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The combination of Al Horford and Luke Kornet has managed to fill the gaps the Latvian center has left. Add Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta to the mix and you know where we are going with this. But back to the second superstar, who is looking more and more like the de facto superstar right now, Jaylen has been locked in since the start of the season.
The greatest example of that was when the Warriors decided to downplay Brown’s three-point shooting. Offended by their insinuation and happy to take advantage, Jay gave the Dubs a night to remember. Of course, it was a failed experiment that GSW would rather bury. Alas, the internet is not that forgiving! Nor are the fans. And, to an extent, even JB, maybe.
For those who might be still doubtful, Brown made his intentions clear after the Game 3 win.
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Jaylen Brown made no mistake when making his goal for the season clear
After getting the first win in the second round of the playoffs, the Celtics fell to the Cavaliers 94-118 in Game 2. Unhappy with the outcome; they took back control with a 106-93 win in Game 3. The Cs, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both superstars on a rampage, kept hold of their lead to close with a resounding victory. Why resounding you ask?
Simply because Jaylen Brown made it very clear that they are not going anywhere without securing a title. “We’re not here to play around; we didn’t come to Cleveland for the weather,” JB said to the reporters in the locker room. The 27-year-old is averaging some of the best numbers of his playoff career this season.
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He has 24.4 points, and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 56.0% from the field, all of which are playoff career bests. Then again, he showcased an equally brilliant regular season as well. With Boston leading the series now, another win would put an end to Cleveland’s playoff run. But if they manage to get the win, the Cavs would still need one more victory to tie the series.
The likelihood of the Celtics dragging this series that long is less. What do you think will happen in Game 5? Can the ‘City of Champions’ stage a comeback? Let us know your thoughts below.