Brown Reflects on Frustrating End to Last Season

Jaylen Brown is still grappling with the way the previous season concluded.

The star guard for the Celtics often thinks back to the team’s loss to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals last May. Unfortunately, Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Game 4, which means he will miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.

“Last year we celebrated with championships, duck boats, and champagne… Now we have to hear the unbearable Knicks fans,” Brown expressed.

“I just can’t fathom how we lost overall…”

Following the Knicks’ victory over the Celtics, which led them to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years, celebrations erupted from their fans. This included some rather intense displays, like burning jerseys of rival players.

As the Knicks aim to be a top contender in the East, Brown might want to brace himself for at least another season of “unbearable” Knicks enthusiasm, especially given Tatum’s tough injury.

Tatum’s Achilles injury wasn’t the sole reason for the Celtics’ downfall in the playoffs. The team was relatively healthy throughout the series, but they faced a significant challenge after Tatum was injured, allowing the Knicks to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

This injury forced the Celtics to rethink their entire roster. Competing for a title this season seems unlikely.

Boston’s decision-makers have begun trading key players from last year’s championship squad, including guard Jrue Holiday and forward Kristaps Porzingis. They’ve also let go of Al Horford and Luke Cornett in free agency.

Despite an impressive 64-18 record last season, projections for total wins this year are down to just 41.5 as the Celtics work to reshape their lineup.

In the offseason, they’ve brought in Chris Boucher and Anfernee Simons.

Brown is expected to take on a larger role when the Celtics kick off the season against the 76ers on October 22, with the Knicks opening against the Cavaliers.