Inside The Celtics

Jaylen Brown Explains What Led to Him Taking Protection Off Lacerated Right Hand in Game 4

Jaylen Brown ditching his mask and protection on his right hand appeared to free him to play more aggressively in the Celtics' Game 4 win over the Hawks.

Bobby Krivitsky

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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The laceration in Jaylen Brown's right hand hasn't proven problematic enough to put him on the injury report through the Celtics' first four playoff games. But the padding on the two-time All-Star's shooting hand has made it more challenging for him to feel comfortable with the ball.

Forced to choose between performance and comfort, Brown prioritized the former on Sunday, a decision that paid off significantly for the Celtics. The 26-year-old wing erupted for 22 of his 31 points in the second half, propelling Boston to a 129-121 win and a 3-1 series lead with Game 5 at TD Garden.

After the victory, Brown expressed the following about taking the protection off his lacerated right hand, as captured by CLNS Media.

"The protection was easing some of the impact when I would catch the ball, but it was distorting, kind of, my feel on the ball. I haven't really got a lot of clean pickups and things that I need to get into my jump shot or to get to my spot. The padding was kind of distorting that comfort level, but it was also taking away some of the pain once you get hit with the ball or whatever.

"So, it was just like, you've got to choose which one you wanted. I'd rather have the feel, feel a little bit more comfortable with the ball in my hands, and then eat the pain. Rather than the pain is aided, and then the ball don't feel as comfortable. As each day goes by, it gets better and better, so that's my only goal. Just being there for my team and trying to find ways to win games is ultimately what the goal is."

Post-game, Brown also discussed his decision to ditch the mask, which invited more risk but seemed to free him mentally -- and perhaps help his court vision -- as he became more aggressive after taking it off.

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum on Celtics' Maintaining a Must-Win Mindset: 'We're Trying Not to Make it Tougher on Ourselves'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Hawks: Jaylen Brown's 22 Second-Half Points Propels Boston to 3-1 Series Lead

Celtics Address Game 3 Loss to Hawks: 'This One Tonight is On Me'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Loss in Game 3 vs. Hawks: Boston Struggles to Find Balance as Atlanta Extends Series

[Film Room] Derrick White's Assertiveness Leads to 26 Points, MVP Chants as Celtics Take 2-0 Lead

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Hawks in Game 2: Swarming Defense and 64 Paint Points Propels Boston to 2-0 Lead

The Celtics Discuss Their Game 1 Win vs. the Hawks: 'We Can't Take Our Foot Off the Gas'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Hawks: Championship-Caliber Defense Propels Hosts in Series Opener

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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