The NBA playoffs are right around the corner, and for the Boston Celtics, this is the moment that will define their season. As the reigning league champions, they face the ultimate challenge of defending their crown while balancing health, momentum, and expectations. With the postseason set to tip off in April, the Celtics must navigate these final weeks of the regular season carefully.
One of the biggest hurdles they’ve faced all season? Injuries. It’s been a recurring theme for the team, with nearly every key player missing time due to various issues. Kristaps Porziņgis, in particular, has had a tough time staying on the court, recently dealing with an ongoing illness that has kept him in and out of the lineup. And he’s not alone. The Celtics’ rotation has been constantly in flux, with multiple stars battling through nagging injuries.
Jaylen Brown is one of those players who has had his fair share of setbacks. From lingering groin and hip issues earlier in the season to a more recent concern with his knee, Brown has missed 14 games so far. But despite the toll the season has taken on his body, Brown remains adamant—he's not sitting out.
“I don’t skip steps,” Brown emphasized following the Celtics’ home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder this week. “So finishing the regular season strong is a part of my agenda.” That kind of mentality is what makes Brown one of the most competitive players on the roster. While many stars opt for rest as the playoffs approach, he’s determined to push through.
A big reason for Brown’s mindset could be the NBA’s new eligibility rules for end-of-season awards. Players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for accolades like All-NBA or All-Defensive Team honors. With just three games left before he reaches that threshold, Brown may see pushing through as a way to ensure his name is in the conversation when award season rolls around.
That said, it hasn’t been easy. The Thunder game, in particular, was a rough one for Brown. The physicality threw him off his rhythm, making him consider if he should be more cautious. But in typical Brown fashion, he quickly dismissed that thought. The goal remains to finish the season strong and carry momentum into the playoffs.
For Celtics fans, the biggest relief is that Brown says he's feeling better. His knee, which has been a source of concern in recent weeks, seems to be improving. “Tonight, I felt better than I did over the last two weeks,” he shared. “To be honest, my knee feels better than it has in a while, so I think I’m trending in the right direction.”
That’s great news for Boston, especially considering how brutal the Eastern Conference playoff race is shaping up to be. The Celtics will need every ounce of firepower to get through teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and a surging Miami Heat squad. Having a fully healthy Brown alongside Jayson Tatum and the rest of the roster could be the difference between another championship run or an early exit.
As the final games of the regular season unfold, the Celtics’ biggest task is finding the perfect balance—maintaining their competitive edge while ensuring their stars are ready to go when the playoffs arrive. The road to a title repeat is never easy, but if this team has proven anything, it's that they thrive under pressure.
So, will the Celtics overcome the bumps and bruises to make another deep playoff run? That remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Jaylen Brown isn’t backing down, and neither is this team. Buckle up, because playoff basketball is almost here, and it’s going to be a wild ride.
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