NBA

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown: ‘I think I’m capable of doing anything and everything’

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated28 Nov 2022

Celtics Jaylen Brown - 'I think I'm capable of doing anything and everything'

Without Jayson Tatum on Sunday, in the Boston Celtics’ 130-120 win over the Washington Wizards, Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 36 points on 13-of-23 (56.5%) shooting from the field.

Following the win at TD Garden, Brown was asked if he alters his tactics with Tatum off the court. “Nah, I keep going,” responded Brown. “I’ve been doing it this whole time.”

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“I think I’m capable of doing anything and everything,” added the Celtics forward. “So, just coming out here playing with my teammates, having fun, and letting the game take care of itself.”

Through 19 starts this season, Brown is averaging a career-high 26.1 points per game, along with 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. Plus, he’s shooting 50.7% from the floor and 34.4% from beyond the arc. He has also logged two double-doubles.

Celtics star Jaylen Brown believes he can do “anything and everything” on the court

After the win over Washington, Marcus Smart recalled moments during the 2015-16 season when rookie Brown played sloppier and more carefree. While still aggressive when attacking the basket, the California product needed time to grow.

“His excuse was: ‘When everybody is telling me to slow down, the defense hears that, so I’m going to speed up,'” explained Smart on the young Celtics star. “We’d be like, ‘No, that doesn’t make any sense.’

“He’s using more of his grace now, to where he’s understanding that sometimes just be patient and let the game come to you instead of going and get it yourself.”

Furthermore, Brown is averaging a career-best true shooting percentage of 60.4%. The Celtics forward has improved each season. His player efficiency rating of 19.9 ties his career best from the 2020-21 season as well.

Not to mention, the seventh-year player ranks sixth in field goals (187), 10th in points (496), eighth in two-point field goals (144), and 13th in usage percentage (31%).

“I enjoyed just playing basketball,” Brown mentioned. “It’s what the season is about. There’s going to be guys in, guys out. We’ve got to be able to maintain our level of play when our big dog is not in the rotation. It was fun. It challenges everybody to step up in their roles.”

Last season, on January 2, 2022, the Celtics forward scored a career-high 50 points in a 116-111 win over the Orlando Magic. He finished 19-of-29 (65.5%) shooting from the field and sank five three-pointers.