Jaylen Brown delivered a measured and confident message following Boston’s 115-93 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
After two inefficient offensive outings at TD Garden, the Celtics stormed into Madison Square Garden and flipped the tone of the series behind a dominant team effort.
Speaking postgame, Brown underscored the importance of staying focused even when shots weren’t falling earlier in the series.
“We just keep playing basketball,” Brown said. “We learn from our mistakes, but we don’t let them change our identity.”
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla referenced the need to “tap into your darkness” in preparation for the pivotal Game 3.
For Brown, the focus remained on maintaining composure.
“All the work you put in all year adds up to these moments,” he said. “When it’s not going our way, we don’t complain—we find ways to win.”
Boston hit 20 of 40 attempts from deep after going 25-for-100 combined in Games 1 and 2.
Brown called the improved shooting “great,” but added that the team still needs to apply pressure in the paint and remain aggressive.
“Even though the shots went down tonight, we can be even better,” he said.
Asked about the team’s approach after trailing in the series, Brown remained unbothered.
“You got to beat us four times,” he responded. “Not twice, not three—four. It’s a long series.”
Brown also praised the Celtics’ third-quarter urgency and commitment to finishing strong after previously surrendering big leads.
“Just keeping our foot on the gas,” he said. “Playing all the way through.”
When pressed about outside criticism following the two home losses, Brown showed little interest in external narratives.
“It’s been like that my whole career,” he said. “My job is to help lead this team to wins.”
Brown added 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists in Game 3 while contributing on both ends of the floor.
He highlighted Payton Pritchard’s performance—23 points off the bench—as crucial to countering New York’s physical defense.
“Payton was great,” Brown said. “He made plays, hit shots—that’s what we needed.”
Brown also credited teammates like Al Horford and Jayson Tatum for their impact during key transition sequences.
“Al was great tonight,” he said. “Big-time rebounds, big-time blocks.”
Looking ahead, Brown remained focused on continuing the momentum in Monday’s Game 4.
“New York has that aura,” he said of the Garden atmosphere. “But tonight was fun. The first half was fun. The second half was even more fun.”
