The Boston Celtics’ 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown fought valiantly in the wake of his 6-time All-Star teammate Jayson Tatum’s stunning season-ending Achilles injury, though his efforts were not enough to propel the group past the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Brown’s Celtics were handled by a whopping 38 points in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final series against New York on Friday night, falling by a score of 119-81 and effectively ending their quest for a second consecutive title win.
Boston’s 4-time All-Star fouled out of Friday’s contest with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter after contributing 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Following the conclusion of Boston’s final game this season, Brown spoke on the loss against a longtime rival and his future with the team during his post-game media availability.
“Things didn’t go out way this year and it’s unfortunate, but we hold our head up regardless,” Brown told NBA insider Michael Scotto on Friday night.
“Losing to the Knicks feels like death, but I was always taught that there’s life after death.”
“We’ll get ready for whatever’s next. Whatever’s next in the journey, I’ll be ready for.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
At 28 years old, Boston’s former No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft has developed into one of the league’s top two-way superstars, though his immediate future with the organization has grown somewhat uncertain.
While it remains likely that Brown will stay a member of the storied franchise for the 2025-26 season and beyond, the Celtics’ noted financial difficulties could see a few pieces from their title-winning core become available in exchange for second tax apron relief this offseason.
The 2023 All-NBA Second Team selection is set to earn a whopping $285.3 million in guaranteed salary through the 2028-29 season, and some believe that Boston could look to rip the bandage off and move the talented forward’s gargantuan contract, but it’s more likely that either the aging Jrue Holiday or injury-prone Kristaps Porzingis are shipped out in the coming months instead.
In 63 appearances for the team this past regular season, Brown averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals, earning his fourth trip to the All-Star Game in the process.
More NBA: LeBron James reflects on high school career in Ohio as return to Cleveland rumors swirl
