Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'
The Boston Celtics registered a 110-106 win in a rivalry clash at the Kaseya Center on Super Bowl Sunday.
In an Eastern Conference Finals rematch that came down to the closing minute, the intensity of what was already a phyiscal game amplified with just under eight minutes left and the visitors leading 96-87.
Duncan Robinson, trying to prevent Jaylen Brown from getting the ball, draped onto the three-time All-Star's arm, earning him a foul. With the two tangled up, the latter forcefully resolved the situation.
That earned Brown a technical, brought the crowd to life, and added spice to the game's final stretch.
As battle-tested as they are, experiencing more pressure-packed moments is beneficial to Boston's pursuit of Banner 18.
Between Al Horford's block on Bam Adebayo with his team leading by five with 5:31 left and Kristaps Porzingis keeping a possession alive after Brown missed a three, leading to two free throws for Jayson Tatum, putting the Celtics ahead 110-104 with 14.1 seconds left, the visitors made the winning plays necessary to improve to 3-0 against the Heat this season.
After a victory that improved their NBA-leading record to 41-12 with two games left before the All-Star break, Brown shared his perspective on his fourth-quarter altercation with Robinson.
"I think he knew exactly what he was trying to do. Trying to get tangled up, etc., 'cause he didn't want to play defense, and they called the foul, but he was still trying to hang on, so I was trying to get my arm free," stated the 2023 All-NBA Second Team selection.
Brown also brought up the Heat's style of play, voicing the importance of standing up to a team that loves to bully its opposition.
"Miami's known for being physical," started the Marietta, Georgia native. "Miami's known for getting away with a lot of that stuff, kind of mucking up the game, and at the end of the day, you've got to protect and own your space," he expressed, adding, "I bet you he won't do it again."
Further Reading
Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Survive Heated Rivalry Clash in Miami
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade
Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'