The No. 1 seed in the entire league, the Boston Celtics, are headed back home fresh off a sweet win, 104-92, over the New Orleans Pelicans. However, it may not all be sunshine and rainbows for the Celtics. After playing for 35 minutes and chipping in a solid 17 points, 7 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists, the team’s superstar Jaylen Brown was reportedly concerned about his left hand.
Brown’s Concerns Spark Alarm
As per recent updates, Brown wants to have his hand assessed by a doctor once he and his team are back in Boston. It has further been reported that he didn’t have it wrapped or iced during the Pelicans game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
Boston’s star wing, 2022 All-Star Brown, gave fans a proper scare when he grabbed his wrist after a play in the first half. This marked the second time he seemed to be bothered by an injury in the opening quarter. Earlier, a slick spot on the court caused him to take a tumble, clutching at his right knee. Luckily for the fans, he was able to shake it off and continue playing in both instances. He’s got the right idea of getting it looked at by a doctor upon reaching home. So, how did things unfold in the showdown?
Jaylen Brown said his left hand has been bothering him recently and he’s going to get it “looked at” when the #Celtics get back to Boston. Didn’t have it wrapped or iced. #Pelicans
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) March 31, 2024
Shaky start, stellar finish by the Celtics
Despite early struggles, the Boston Celtics (58-16) overcame a sluggish start to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans (45-29) on Saturday night. The Pelicans came in hot, capitalizing on Boston’s defensive lapses. Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum led the charge, each dropping 12 points in the first quarter.
Boston tightened up their defense in the 2nd quarter. Porzingis responded with a pair of blocks and a dunk. While Payton Pritchard’s hustle on the offensive glass led to a crucial 3-pointer by Jrue Holiday. Jaylen Brown made a key steal on Williamson, leading to a fast break layup by Derrick White. Jayson Tatum is frustrated by a lack of foul calls. Received a technical foul but bounced back with a layup in transition. White capped off the half with a buzzer-beating 3, giving the Celtics their first lead at 59-57.
The Celtics carried their momentum into the second half, completely shutting down the Pelicans’ offense. As the roster continued to dominate the third quarter, Derrick White drilled a crucial three-pointer to extend the lead to 14 with just over a minute left, effectively sealing the win for Boston. Superstar Jayson Tatum led the team with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Celtics will look to close out their longest road trip of the season with a win against the Charlotte Hornets; further solidifying their position as playoffs close in.
The Uncertain Future
While Brown is a vital cog in the Celtics’ machinery, their record without him this season stands at a surprising 8-0. It thus remains to see if Brown suit up for the next game for the no.1 seeded roster, or if he will take a breather considering it’s a relatively “easier” game.
