Celtics React to Jaylen Brown's Game 1 Heroics: 'It's Going Up and It's Going In'

Eric Jay Santos | May 22, 2024

May 21, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after his three point basket sending the game into overtime against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, the Boston Celtics picked up a 133-128 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Jaylen Brown proved to be the hero of the match. With 5.7 seconds remaining in regulation, the three-time All-Star saved the game for the Celtics.

JB WITH THE CORNER 3 TO TIE IT 🤯 🤯 🤯 pic.twitter.com/f2GcbZ955z

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 22, 2024

“I was just talking to myself, 'if I get this shot, it's going in,'" said Brown, unfazed by faring 0/3 from beyond the arc before burying that corner three to force overtime. 

"I was telling myself the whole time, 'if you get it, it's going up, and it's going in.' I can create some space on their backside and was able to make a big-time play."

Teammate Jrue Holiday inbounded to Brown for the crucial shot. Per Inside The Celtics, Holiday expressed of the sequence: “Saw Jaylen wide open. Sometimes, plays like that, it’s kind of hard to see both sides, but saw one side, looked at the other side, and Jaylen was wide open. It was a great shot, he pretty much did everything.”

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised both Brown and Derrick White for their execution during the play. 

“Yeah, it was a great, well-executed play by the guys. You just create, kind of, indecision. We were able to maintain it. And I thought D-White set a great screen, I thought Jaylen had a great foul. Great pass, great shot. So, just a well-executed play by the guys. Good situational awareness, situational execution.” 

While Brown helped stake the Celtics to a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, the challenge now becomes trying to win Game 2 for the first time this postseason and take a 2-0 advantage to Indiana.

"We got to be able to channel our emotions and move on to the next and get ready for Game 2," stated Brown of Boston's next test, which will tip off on Thursday night at 8:00 EST at TD Garden.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown's Heroics Propel Celtics to 1-0 Lead in Conference Finals

Aaron Nesmith Left Lasting Impression with Celtics Before Finding a Home with Pacers

Trivializing Celtics' Success in Tatum-Brown Era a Take Not Measured Properly: 'Doing

Past Hardships Brought Out Best in Al Horford in Career Night: 'You Saw His Gift'

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Still Shaking Off Criticism While Growing as Leaders

Jrue Holiday Delivers 'Masterclass' in Game 3 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum Breaks Out of Scoring Slump That Never Defined Him: 'Underappreciated'

Derrick White Discusses Joining Elite Company in Game 1 Win vs. Cavaliers

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'