Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd supplied a daring tackle Celtics ahead Jaylen Brown forward of Recreation 2 of the NBA Finals.
When talking with reporters on Saturday afternoon, Kidd labeled Brown as No. 1 on Boston’s roster.
“Effectively, Jaylen’s their greatest participant,” Kidd mentioned.
His feedback are considerably shocking, contemplating most individuals would argue Brown’s teammate, Jayson Tatum, is the Celtics’ greatest participant. Among the many 5 Celtics to common not less than half-hour per sport this postseason, Brown’s web score (7.6) is the worst.
Nonetheless, the third-year Mavs head coach backed up his opinion with legitimate factors.
“Simply taking a look at what he does defensively. He picked up Luka (Doncic) full-court,” Kidd mentioned. “He acquired to the free-throw line. He did all the things, and that is, , what your greatest participant does.”
In Boston’s 107-89 Recreation 1 rout, Brown led the Celtics with 22 factors on 7-of-12 taking pictures. He additionally led all gamers with 11 free-throw makes an attempt.
Based on NBA.com monitoring information, Doncic, when guarded by Brown, scored eight factors on 4-of-6 taking pictures but in addition recorded two of his 4 turnovers.
Brown, the No. 3 general choose of the 2016 NBA Draft, is coming off being named Jap Convention Finals MVP. Within the sweep of the Pacers, Brown averaged 29.8 factors, 5 rebounds, three assists and two steals per sport.
“I wasn’t anticipating that in any respect,” Brown mentioned after receiving the dignity. “I by no means win s—.”
With three extra wins, Brown won’t solely add one other piece of {hardware} to his rising assortment but in addition have individuals reconsidering who runs the Celtics.
