News from Wednesday’s practice session delivered a positive update for the Boston Celtics, who were perhaps sweating Jaylen Brown’s health as they prepare for the postseason.
Brown, 29, had missed two of Boston’s final three regular-season games and has openly admitted that his condition and mindset are at the right place heading into the playoffs.
The Celtics star addressed reporters before practice at the Auerbach Center to ease any tension over his health for the playoffs.
GettyBOSTON, MA – MARCH 22: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics goes in for a dunk. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Boston played cautiously with the 29-year-old MVP candidate after recurring problems with a left Achilles tendinitis. He did manage to contribute to his team’s effort as it maintained the No. 2 seed.
Jaylen Brown’s Health Status Reassurance
Boston Herald writer Zack Cox reported that Brown believes that he will enter this year’s postseason in much better shape than last year.
For months leading up to the 2025 NBA playoffs, Brown had been dealing with a nerve-wracking partially torn meniscus, for which he received pain management injections, according to Cox. Brown underwent offseason surgery to correct the injury.
From where he was then to where he is now, it is a total breath of fresh air for the Boston star. Those tough times are behind him.
“For sure, I feel a lot different than I did going into last [postseason], mentally and physically,” Brown said. “So I’m grateful for that. It’s still going to be a journey in itself, but I don’t have any expectations. My expectation is to come out and just be as best I can for my team every single night.”
Brown averaged career-highs in points this season with 28.7 points per game, which placed him in the top five in scoring. He also averaged a joint career-high in rebounds and a career high in assists. He has been front of an impressive Boston season taking up the primary role with his two-way dominance.
A huge cloud loomed before the start of the season with Jayson Tatum sidelined for major parts. They also lost key contributors in Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford in the offseason. However, Boston fared quite all right and became a contender again.
Brown’s focus has always remained team-first even during an MVP-caliber season. That injury setback wasn’t going to hinder a season that can be capped with silverware at the end.
He has been available for Boston, playing 71 games this season, his highest mark since 2018-19. He isn’t an injury-prone player but has always faced nagging issues that limit his games.
Celtics Benefit from Tatum’s Return and Brown’s Availability
The biggest winners of Brown’s clean health are the Celtics. Tatum has reintegrated effectively after missing majority of the regular season recovering from right Achilles surgery he suffered during Game 4 of the second round last year.
Without Tatum, Boston couldn’t hold off the New York Knicks, who won in six games to put a halt to the Celtics’ title defense. This time, however, the 2024 champions would hope to field a fully healthy duo of Tatum and Brown who can beat any team any day.
They enter as a top favorite to go through the East with their two superstars on the floor.
Boston awaits the winner of the play-in tie between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic to know its first-round opponent.
The Celtics will look to shake off last year’s disappointment with a deeper run this year. What better way of achieving that with their two superstars healthy.
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