Jaylen

Brown

Brown didn’t have his best game with 19 points on 18 shots, but in a game where the Celtics needed his scoring they’ll take that even if he got there on volume rather than efficiency. The 28-year-old small forward appears to be playing at less than 100 percent after dealing with a knee issue down the stretch of the regular season. While the Celtics were able to blowout the Knicks by 22 in Game 3, we still haven’t seen them win a close game late against New York. Boston will need all hands on deck including Brown if they find themselves in a dogfight against the Knicks in Game 4 Monday.

It was a tale of two halves for Brown, who entered the break with 17 points. In the second half, the only stats he contributed were one three-pointer and four turnovers. He shot 1-of-7 in the second half, and the Celtics blew a 20-point lead for a second straight game. They’ve been outscored by a total of four points in this series, but they will head to New York down 0-2. Brown will need to repeat his first-half performance for Boston to get back on track.

Brown and the Celtics were on the wrong end of a shocking result Monday night, as the reigning champs lost despite leading by as much as 20. Three-point shooting was a problem for the Celtics, as they shot a putrid 15-of-60 from beyond the arc. Brown finished 1-of-10 on the night, with that poor showing dragging down his overall field-goal percentage. When Boston’s three-point opportunities come within the flow of the offense, forcing opposing defenses into rotation, they’re elite. That wasn’t the case in the second half of Game 1, hence the defeat. Brown and the Celtics will look to even the series on Wednesday night.

Brown’s right knee continues to be an issue, but he logged 32 minutes in Game 5 and was efficient offensively. Boston taking care of business in five games will provide the banged-up champions with valuable rest before the second round begins. And this group made some franchise history, winning their fifth consecutive playoff series. That’s the sixth time the Celtics have accomplished that feat. However, the Brown/Tatum-led Celtics are the first to win all five series in five games or fewer. Next up for the reigning champs will be either New York or Detroit in the second round.

Brown is available after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. The reigning champions will only be without one starter, Jrue Holiday, for Tuesday’s game as they look to close out the Magic. Al Horford will remain the fifth starter.

Brown has been listed as questionable for a third straight game. He was able to suit up for the first two. After scoring 21 points in Game 4 on Sunday, expect Brown to once again be a reliable scoring option on Tuesday. If he isn’t able to play, Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard would likely move into the starting lineup.

Brown was inefficient from the floor in Sunday’s win, but a big night on the boards and great production from the free-throw line led him to a double-double. Brown’s double-double was in addition to Jayson Tatum’s, who finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds. The Celtics’ dynamic duo will aim for repeat performances on Tuesday with hopes of closing out the Magic in Game 5.

For the second consecutive game, Brown has been cleared after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup. Jrue Holiday (hamstring) is the only starter missing; Al Horford will remain in the starting five.

Brown was also considered questionable ahead of Game 3 on Friday, ultimately logging 34 minutes. With Jrue Holiday (hamstring) already out, look for Brown to take on his usual role as the Celtics aim to take a 3-1 series lead. If he does not play, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard would take on expanded roles.

Brown followed up his 36-point explosion in Game 2 of the series with a subpar game Friday. The 28-year-old small forward had 19 points on 14 shots, but turned the ball over six times. He was -8 in 33 minutes in a two-point loss for the Celtics. Brown continues to deal with a knee issue that has bothered him down the stretch of the regular season. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 4 Sunday.