Jaylen Brown Battles Injury as Celtics Prep for Playoffs

BOSTON — Jaylen Brown is navigating the final stretch of the NBA regular season while grappling with a lingering knee injury. The Celtics‘ star player returned to the court on Wednesday night, contributing 24 points in a 124-103 loss against the Miami Heat at TD Garden, despite not being at full strength.

From the start, it was clear that the Heat entered the game with a sense of urgency, fighting to avoid a potential win-or-go-home scenario in upcoming play-in games. The Celtics opted to rest key players, including Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday, leaving Brown to shoulder a larger share of the offensive load.

Brown, who missed Monday’s game to manage his right knee posterior impingement, played through discomfort and acknowledged pain postgame. “I was in some pain today,” he said. “But just pushing through it, trying to find ways to still be aggressive and add value to the team. It’s something I’ve got to work through.”

The All-Star swingman recorded 9 rebounds and 4 assists in 29 minutes, illustrating his determination to remain an impactful force as the playoffs approach. “It’s a good step forward,” he stated, reflecting on his performance. “Every night I’m not going to feel my normal self, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make plays.”

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his thoughts on Brown’s effort, noting, “I thought he was good. I like the way he got to his spots and competed defensively. He continues to look more comfortable out there.” Mazzulla has been tasked with balancing Brown’s minutes to optimize his conditioning while also allowing for necessary recovery time.

As the playoffs are just weeks away, Brown’s availability is crucial for a Celtics team seeking to defend their title. Currently, he has played in 60 games this season, falling short of the 65-game threshold needed for end-of-season awards. However, he downplayed the importance of that benchmark, emphasizing his focus on health. “It’s not really a concern for me,” he said regarding the eligibility threshold.

Despite battling injuries throughout the season—including shoulder, hip, and ankle issues—Brown remains optimistic about his recovery plan. “I’ve seen some specialists, but we’ve got a great medical staff,” he noted. “My goal is to be feeling my best come playoffs.”

The Celtics have not played a game this season with their nine-man core rotation fully intact. As they face the final stretch of the season, depth will be critical if the team aims to find success in the playoffs.

“We’ve had a next-man-up mentality,” Brown explained. “The strength of us is not just one or two players. It’s about the versatility of our team.”

Looking ahead, the Celtics will take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, and Brown’s health remains a priority for the coaching staff. Brown is hopeful that with the right management, he will be ready for what lies ahead in the postseason.