Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown puts NBA on notice after Celtics latest win

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/8/24

The Celtics got their second-round series against the Cavaliers off to a flying start. Both teams had key rotation members on the injury report, but that didn't stop Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla's squad from securing a 25-point margin of victory.

Jaylen Brown sent a message to the NBA when speaking to the media as part of his postgame news conference. He noted how it would be extremely difficult for an opposing team to secure four wins against this current Celtics team.

"Anything can happen; it's the NBA playoffs," Brown said. "We're just taking it one game at a time, and that's all we can control...It's gonna be tough for a team to have to beat us four times. But, as long as we come out execute on both ends, be the harder-playing team, I think we'll be fine."

Boston was the most dominant team during the NBA regular season, securing the first seed in the Eastern Conference and the best record in the league. Even without Kristaps Porzingis, who is currently dealing with a right soleus injury, the Celtics still have elite depth and hold championship aspirations.

Mazzulla's team is playing an exciting brand of basketball on both sides of the ball. The Cavaliers must up their game if they want to provide a test for Boston. Otherwise, they could be facing a potential sweep or gentleman's sweep.

Nevertheless, the Celtics can't get overconfident. Comments like Brown's indicate the competitive spirit within the team's locker room. That mentality can help them navigate their current series and the Eastern Conference Finals, where they will face either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks.

Brown is clearly optimistic about his team's chances of success, and that should worry every other team in the league. The Celtics have been building for this moment all season. It will take a herculean effort to stop them now.

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