Jaylen Brown Makes Guarantee Ahead of Game 6 Between Celtics and Heat: 'There's a First for Everything'

The Celtics have recaptured the formula necessary to play at their best, and it's flipped the Eastern Conference Finals.

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics are locked in defensively right now. Since the second half of Game 4, they're closing out hard to the three-point line, cooling off the Heat's shooters.

In their first win of this Eastern Conference Finals rematch, they generated 30 more points from beyond the arc. In their 110-97 win in Game 5 in Boston, they manufactured 21 more points on threes.

Defense -> Offense 💯 pic.twitter.com/FMPBuGcLUg

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 26, 2023

While Miami shot well from long distance (39.1 percent), the visitors attempted 16 fewer three-point field goals than the hosts, ending with nine makes in a second-straight matchup it finished with fewer than 100 points.

The Celtics recapturing their defensive identity has paved the way for their recent success offensively, allowing them to maintain an up-tempo operation, lending itself to effective ball movement, assisting on 23 of 40 field goals on Thursday, and consistently creating quality, in-rhythm shots.

Boston returning to the formula necessary for it to perform at its best has flipped the series and has the Celtics inching closer to history.

The confidence that comes from that led to Jaylen Brown, who finished Game 5 with 21 points and three steals, to make a bold declaration while discussing the value of playing in so many matchups with their back against the wall the last two postseasons.

"Experience is the best teacher. We are a resilient group. We've been through a lot. Obviously, it's the first time being in this situation, but there's a first for everything. We don't look at it like we (are) out. We just take it one game at a time. We just breathe, come out, play basketball, take our time, and do what we (are) supposed to do; I think we'll be fine. 

"It's a blessing to be able to play this game each and every night. It's a blessing to be in the playoffs. There are highs; there are lows. There are intense moments; there are moments that (you're) pissed off, moments where you're extremely excited, it's amazing, so, these next TWO games should be fun."

Further Reading

The Celtics Could've Folded and Flamed Out, Instead, They're Inching Closer to History: 'We're Not Going Down Like This'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 5 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Reconnecting to Swing Series Momentum

Film Room: Grant Williams' Value on Full Display in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Heat

Celtics Stars Speak on Team Sticking Together Down 3-0: 'We Didn't Want That to Define Us'

Celtics Discuss Returning to Identity Best Suiting Them in Game 4 Win: 'We're a Team That Believes in Us No Matter What'

Jaylen Brown Responds to Rumors of Disconnect in Celtics Locker Room

Here's What Stood Out in Game 4 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Get Back to Defensive Identity to Save Their Season

Looking to do the Impossible, Celtics Channel Kevin Millar: 'Don't Let Us Get One'

Trading Jaylen Brown is a Gamble the Celtics are Better Off Not Making

Joe Mazzulla Takes Blame for Celtics' Getting Blown Out in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals: 'I Have to be Better'