The Golden State Warriors opted for an unconventional defensive strategy against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, but the outcome was far from favorable, marking a significant understatement for the season thus far.
In a staggering 140-88 defeat at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, the Celtics displayed dominance over the Warriors. They outscored their opponents by 22 points in both the first and second quarters, amassing a staggering 82-38 lead by halftime and extending it to a remarkable 56-point advantage in the third quarter.
Early in the game, part of the Warriors’ strategy involved challenging Celtics’ swingman Jaylen Brown to take shots, reminiscent of their treatment of Ben Simmons.
However, Brown proved more than capable of capitalizing on the opportunity, scoring 19 points and sinking 5 three-pointers in the opening quarter alone. This bold tactic seemed to ignite Brown’s competitive spirit beyond his usual demeanor.
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During his postgame remarks, Brown addressed the perceived “mind games” played by Golden State in daring him to shoot. He expressed surprise at the strategy but asserted his readiness to respond, viewing it as a somewhat disrespectful move. Brown emphasized that while he typically assumes the role of a penetrator in the Celtics’ potent offense, he’s also proficient in shooting, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 36.3%.
“First time it’s ever happened to me,” said Brown. “Honestly, I was a bit surprised. Took a little bit of adjusting. … But if you want to dare me to shoot, we can do that too. I thought it was a little disrespectful. But we took advantage of it and we didn’t look back.”
Despite Brown’s infrequent three-point attempts this season, his offensive versatility has been instrumental in Boston’s success, evident in their league-leading offensive rating entering Sunday’s game.
Additionally, reports suggest that the Celtics are working on a documentary akin to “The Last Dance” this season, and Brown’s standout performance against the Warriors is likely to feature prominently if the project comes to fruition.
