Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is currently dealing with a knee injury. Brown has been dealing with a right knee impingement since early March. While Brown has played in 13 of the 19 games following his injury, it’s clear that he isn’t fully healthy. On Tuesday night Brown had a rough night only scoring six points on 2-8 shooting, he also sat on the bench for the fourth quarter and overtime. Brown was not at full strength and displayed signs of significant pain throughout the game. The timing couldn’t be worse with three games left in the regular season and the Celtics aiming to repeat as champions. Let’s dive into Brown’s injury and how concerning it is.
How Concerning is Jaylen Brown’s Injury?
Since March 2nd Brown is averaging 18.3 points, 5.1, and 4.0 assists on 45/32.2/81 shooting splits. These stats are well below his season averages. In addition to his numbers dropping Brown has noticeably less burst. Despite his production being down and not looking like himself, Brown has had high points while battling through his injury including a 31-point outing against the Phoenix Suns and a 24-point night against the Miami Heat. Brown has displayed highs and lows throughout this stretch which is natural given his injury. However, it’s worrisome since the Celtics need a consistent and healthy Brown in the playoffs.
What Brown is Saying About His Injury
Brown has acknowledged he’s not at full strength and likely won’t be for the playoffs. He has stated that playing through the injury is important as he needs to get used to playing while not being fully healthy. Specifically Brown discussed how he needs to get used to playing with more skill rather than athleticism.
“Learning to make adjustments. I probably relied on my athleticism a lot. But this season, using more my skill, playing a little bit slower, which can sometimes be a good thing…Using these games to kind of figure it out, and take it one day at a time.” Brown said about navigating while playing through his knee injury.
While some are speculating that Brown is pushing himself to meet the games played requirement with the hope of being named to an All-NBA team this is not logical since he has already secured the lucrative supermax extension. Moreover, Brown’s comments make sense he’ll have to get used to playing with this style before the playoffs. Nevertheless, resting a bit down the stretch could help Brown get closer to full strength, especially with three games left in the season and the Celtics secure as the two-seed.
What Brown’s Teammates Are Saying About His Injury
Kristaps Porziņģis praised Brown’s mentality but also suggested the star should rest before the playoffs.
“He’s a tough dude. He always preaches his warrior mindset. He lives by it. But to what extent we need that right now? Maybe he needs to take care of it and make sure he’s going to be ready for the most important moment.” Porziņģis said regarding Brown’s injury.
Given his injury history, Porziņģis knows the importance of resting at times. Taking some time off before the playoffs could help Brown get closer to full strength even if he isn’t 100% by the playoffs and it will benefit the Celtics. Jayson Tatum spoke about how the whole team will chip in with Brown not being his usual self.
Jayson Tatum on Jaylen Brown playing through a knee injury:
“It’s tough mentally when you’re out there and you maybe can’t do the things that you normally do … that’s why it’s a team sport you got teammates that got your back covered,” (H/T @RealBobManning) pic.twitter.com/bbeK4YDeRB
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 9, 2025
Tatum’s point is key in a team sport, everyone must step up when a top player is injured. Luckily the Celtics are one of the most talented teams in the league and have plenty of options to step up. Tatum, Porziņģis, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday will all be crucial on both ends of the floor. Tatum and Porziņģis will have to provide the Celtics with elite offense, Tatum specifically will have an even larger burden. White and Holiday will have to take on more difficult defensive assignments.
The Last Word
Ultimately, Brown’s injury should be concerning for the Celtics as the playoffs near. Brown is one of the toughest players in the league and will give it his all to play. However, this injury appears to be a nagging issue and Brown getting a more significant injury is an unfortunate possibility to be considered. Additionally, it’s unclear if Brown will be able to get back to his typical elite level of play. Against teams with elite wing defenders Brown’s presence is especially vital. Without Brown or with him not fully healthy Tatum will receive even more defensive pressure. We saw how crucial Brown is to the Celtics’ success in the playoffs last year, hopefully, he can get back to full health or at least close to it and help the Celtics make another title run.
Photo credit: © Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
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