The Boston Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games and Jaylen Brown learned an important lesson from that series.
Brown told Jay King of The Athletic that losing to the Heat made him realize that he needs to read the game better and work harder in the offseason.
“For the most part, reading the game,” Brown said. “It just inspired growth. It just inspired me to work hard. I probably worked the hardest I’ve ever worked this summer. My body’s changed. Athletically, I feel like I’m entering my prime, at peak athleticism. I’m running, I’m jumping, I’m defending. I’m guarding my ass off. I’m in the right spots. I’m more aware on defense. I’m more aware on offense.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics Updates
“It just inspired me. Inspiration to improve is what it was. That’s how bad it stung to come up short the way we did, but I wouldn’t take anything back. Everything is for a reason … a part of being a human being is just learning and growing. And that’s how I approach everything in life.”
Brown signed the richest contract in NBA history this past offseason. He’s averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Celtics this season while shooting 45.9% from the field, 33.8% from beyond the arc and 69.9% from the free-throw line.
The Celtics are 15-5. They are looking to win their first championship since 2008.
“It’s a new season,” Brown said. “You learn, you grow and improve. … I’ve just been focused on being a better basketball player. And that’s really it.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics Updates
Brown has career averages of 18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists with the Celtics. All signs point toward the All-Star spending his entire career in Boston.
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