Takeaways from Celtics' Game 4 win: Jaylen Brown gets ECF MVP, Kristaps Porzingis gets extended rest before return
Jaylen Brown gets his deserved recognition
Jaylen Brown in the final 3 minutes to send the Celtics to the NBA Finals:
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 28, 2024
-Hit a step through to tie the game
-Blocked Nembhard at the rim
-Attacked paint, found White for go-ahead 3
29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 block in 44 minutes. A complete game by Brown. pic.twitter.com/7BZpOyWCZP
After being snubbed from an All-NBA team and completely disrespected by ESPN as a non-marketable player, Jaylen Brown rises to the occasion to put the critics to bed. In Game 4, JB totaled 29 points, grabbed six rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a series-clinching block on Andrew Nembhard. The superstar played a total of 44 minutes.
Brown had to battle back from a rough start in this game shooting 4/11 overall and 1/6 from three to begin the outing. For the ones who believe Jaylen is snubbing someone by winning the Larry Bird trophy, having the biggest moments in the series, and not having one bad game are why the honors are well deserved.
It is time for basketball fans everywhere to put some respect on the wing's name and have him in potential top-10 discussions.
Kristaps Porzingis gets extended rest before the NBA Finals
If we get two sweeps, we won't have any (NBA) games for almost 10 days lol.
— Bryan Fonseca 🇵🇷 (@BryanFonsecaNY) May 27, 2024
I have said it before and will say it again: the Boston Celtics can win without Kristaps Porzingis. They are 10-1 without the star big man these playoffs and have won seven straight games. However, he adds an amazing dynamic to an already lethal team with his ability to deter the opposing team's paint attacks and three-level scoring prowess. KP will get practically 10 days of rest as game one of the NBA finals does not tip off until June 6th.
I am under the impression, from everything I've heard, that Porzingis has been available to play since game three. The Celtics front office most likely saw no reason to rush him back as Horford continued to be more than serviceable in the playoffs. The extended rest helps tremendously for KP to start playing in five-on-five scrimmages to get into game shape. The addition of the Latvian center allows for Horford to slide to the bench and give the Cs the best eight-man rotation in the association arguably.
The Boston Celtics have the best defensive backcourt in the NBA
Jayson Tatum says he’s thankful for Derrick White and Jrue Holiday:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 14, 2024
“The intangible things they do on the defensive end, night in and night end.”
“They’re really the anchor of our defense, and we just try to match their intensity throughout.” pic.twitter.com/lYpKL5o01s
The backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White is an absolute luxury for the Boston Celtics. Jrue had another impressive outing with 17 points and nine boards, none more clutch than the offensive rebound to end the series. White continued his hot shooting display with unreal defense as he posted 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists with five steals and three blocks. He's a stat-sheet stuffer supreme.
The two All-Defensive guards are the perfect counter punch to electric guard play. Whether it is against the expected superstar duo of the Mavs' Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving or if Anthony Edwards and the Wolves make history, they will bring steady jailhouse defense.
The way the Boston Celtics were able to close out three of the four wins against the Pacers this series was their crunch-time defense. Indy did not score in the last three minutes and 33 seconds of the game.