[embedded content]
The Boston Celtics dropped Game 2 of their playoff series to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at TD Garden, falling 111-97 as the series shifted momentum after a Game 1 win.
Jaylen Brown led Boston’s postgame reflections, focusing on defensive lapses and Philadelphia’s execution, particularly from Tyrese Maxey.
“Maybe a mix of both. We just got to watch the film and then make adjustments. It’s the playoffs, so any given night they got some good basketball players over there.”
Brown stressed that the Celtics’ defensive effort did not meet the required standard in a playoff environment.
“Yeah, I think we gave up too many points. But we’ll watch it and make some adjustments and see where we need to be better. It wasn’t our best defensive outing tonight.”
The All-Star wing pointed to communication issues and breakdowns in coverage that allowed Philadelphia to dictate stretches of the game.
“I just thought they out-competed us tonight. I think our intensity level could have been better defensively. We could have been better. We doubted on some screens. We just got to be better.”
Maxey’s scoring run became a central issue for Boston’s defense, with Brown acknowledging how comfortable the 76ers guard looked throughout the night.
“He was just too comfortable. He built a rhythm and was able to have an extreme impact on the game. He had six threes, which he’s a capable shooter. We just got to be able to adjust and be ready to guard him because he’s a ball player.”
Philadelphia’s late push, fueled by consecutive Maxey three-pointers, swung control away from Boston after the Celtics had trimmed the margin to two points.
“Maxey just walked into two big threes back to back when we had cut the lead to two. We’ll watch it and see where we could be better right there.”
Despite the loss, Brown emphasized urgency rather than frustration as the series moves to Philadelphia for Game 3.
“We watch it, move forward, and get back to Celtics basketball. We can’t let it be. We watch it, move forward, and get back to Celtics basketball.”
Looking ahead, Brown underscored the playoff mentality needed for road environments.
“It’s just the playoffs. Welcome to the playoffs. We just got to be ready to go.”
He also reinforced confidence in Boston’s supporting rotation and their ability to stabilize performances moving forward.
“We trust Payton, we trust Sam, we trust Baylor, we trust all of those guys to come in and impact the game. We just got to continue to stay consistent with that and we’ll be okay.”
