Jaylen Brown scores 50 points, Celtics crush Clippers in the NBA

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown matched his career high on Saturday with 50 points, putting up an impressive performance by hitting 18 of 26 shots in the team’s dominant 146-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Brown received a standing ovation from the numerous Celtics fans who ventured out on a rainy night in Los Angeles to witness the performance of the Celtics, who concluded a five-game road trip. Boston (22-12) is half a game behind the New York Knicks (23-12) for second place in the Eastern Conference.

I knew before the game. In warm-ups, I could feel that every shot, the ball was coming off my hand very cleanly. My footwork felt great. Last night I took salsa lessons. I had some great salsa lessons. So I felt good as soon as I entered the arena.

Jaylen Brown

Brown took the lead in defending Kawhi Leonard, who had averaged 39 points with almost 70% effectiveness during the Clippers’ winning streak. On Saturday night, Brown and the Celtics limited Leonard to 22 points on 6-of-17 shooting (35.3%).

I look for those challenges. I feel like it brings out the best in me. Obviously, Kawhi is one of the greats, so I wanted to start with him. And I look for those matchups. I like when my back is against the wall. When people doubt, that fuels me. So, while it would be nice to get some respect… keep it coming. I definitely use it as fuel.

Jaylen Brown

Brown publicly expressed his disappointment at not receiving the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award in December. He tweeted “smh” when the league announced that Jalen Brunson of New York had won that honor and then addressed it on his live stream. Brown led Brunson in most major statistical categories except assists in December. The Celtics also beat the Knicks in head-to-head matchups and finished 9-3 in the month, while New York had a 10-4 record. However, Brunson led New York to the NBA Cup championship in December. Whatever the reason Brunson was chosen, Brown was using it as motivation.

I think I’m the best two-way player in the world, so I just wanted to go out there and prove it.

Jaylen Brown