Jaylen Brown puts team first in answer to star duo question originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum make up arguably the best duo in the NBA, but it was a total team effort on their way to Banner 18.
Brown emphasized that point after the The victory of Boston Celtics over the Denver Nuggets in Friday’s preseason opener in Abu Dhabi. When asked about forming a superstar tandem with Tatum, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP shifted the focus to the rest of his teammates.
“We understand that’s the media, they emphasize and pick on that. But this sport is played five-on-five,” Brown replied. “We need all of our teammates out there to contribute to help us be who we are. I think we’ve been able to accomplish a lot, but having great teammates has also helped us step up.
“So the sport is played five-on-five. I know we like to highlight a duo or individuals for their game, but I like to be part of the team and elevate the team because that helps me be who I am.”
It’s a humble and mature response from Brown, who has only gotten better with each season in his seven-year career. Last season, the soon-to-be 28-year-old joined Tatum at the NBA All-Star Game for the third time. He finished the campaign with career highs in field goal percentage (49.9) and assists (3.6) while taking his defense to another level.
On Friday, Brown scored eight points (seven in the first quarter) with two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 19 minutes. He has been in mid-season form, but once again he turned his attention to the supporting cast during his post-match press conference.
“I thought our second group came out and played amazing,” he said. “Payton (Pritchard) came out, does what Payton does, hit. Sam (Hauser) got a lot of great looks. Jaden (Springer), Jordan (Walsh), Neemy (Neemias Queta) all contributed.”
Indeed, Boston’s second unit starred in the 107-103 victory. Payton Pritchard led the way with a game-high 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting from 3-point range.
The C’s and Nuggets will have a preseason rematch on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. Tip-off for the matchup is set for 10 am ET with coverage beginning at 9:30 am on NBC Sports Boston.
