The Boston Celtics have found their groove, winning four straight games. Jaylen Brown came off the bench and had a coming-out party in the team’s win over the New York Knicks Thursday. Here’s why coming off the bench is the best option for him.
The Boston Celtics started off the season a little slower than anticipated. Since Marcus Smart was inserted in the starting lineup, the team has won its last four games to improve to 14-10. The Celtics had a lengthier break heading into Thursday’s game, not playing for nearly a week.
That was beneficial for the team because it allowed Jaylen Brown to nurse his injury. Ahead of Thursday contest against the New York Knicks, one big question remained as to whether he would be starting or coming off the bench once he returned.
It seemed unlikely he would start because of the way the team had progressed with Marcus Smart in the starting lineup. Brown is still Boston’s long-term starter, but for now this is something he and the Celtics need. Boston was able to come away with an easy win over the Knicks, getting sweet revenge after a disappointing loss on Nov. 21.
Brown came off the bench and it went better than expected. He hasn’t played well this year, averaging 11.2 points per game on 41.2 percent from the field and 24.7 percent shooting from 3. His shooting percentages and statistics have significantly dropped off since last season.
It was rather odd because it seemed like he was ready to make the leap in 2018-19. In his defense, he hasn’t been the only player on the team who’s struggled in finding his rhythm. In the win over the Knicks, Brown had a coming-out party, recording 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. He missed the only two 3-pointers he shot, but shooting 70 percent for the game was a sigh of relief.
Jaylen Brown posts 12 1st half PTS off the bench in his return to action vs. NYK! #CUsRise @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/CLin2iS5e2
— NBA (@NBA) December 7, 2018
It was one game, but it appears that Brown might find more success coming off the bench. This doesn’t have to be a long-term thing, but coming off the bench allows him to build his confidence while the team stays competitive to get its season back on track.
Boston experimented with Gordon Hayward off the bench this season and that has paid dividends. Smart playing in the starting lineup has sparked some life in this team. He may not score a lot of points, but he won’t take away shots from the other starters either.
Smart also provides incredible defense and energy, which has been vital for Boston this season. One thing that makes the Celtics different from a lot of other teams is their ability to push egos aside and do what’s best for the team in order to win.
Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston reported what Brown had to say about coming off the bench.
"“Basketball is basketball, whether it’s coming off the bench or walking out of the stands,” said Brown. “It’s all basketball. Just come out and play.”"
He will likely come off the bench for a bit until he regains his confidence and can play at a high level for a team that wants to contend for the Eastern Conference title. Right now, this is the best option because of the way Marcus Smart has injected life back into this team. Brown will now look to build off a successful performance off the bench in a different — but still important — role.