The recent performances of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have raised concerns within the Boston Celtics organization, particularly regarding their defensive contributions during critical moments of the playoff series against the New York Knicks. After a previous breakdown on the Celtics’ offensive struggles, this article shifts focus to the defensive lapses that have also contributed to their current predicament, especially as they face an uphill battle to avoid going down 0-2 in the series.
Jaylen Brown’s defensive missteps have been notably problematic. While he previously showcased strength on defense, such as his solid performance against Luka Doncic during the NBA Finals, he has failed to maintain that level of focus. Examples from the latest games illustrate how his lack of communication and anticipation has led to open looks for the Knicks. On several occasions, Brown has been slow to react to screens or has neglected his assignments, which resulted in missed defensive opportunities—an aspect that could have changed the momentum in tightly contested games.
Transition defense has also been a point of concern for both stars. Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics coach, emphasizes the importance of details that can tip the scale from victory to defeat, and the two players’ challenges in fast-break scenarios are clear. For instance, Tatum’s failure to track his assignment allowed Anunoby to score easily during critical possessions. In high-pressure moments, both Tatum and Brown appeared overwhelmed, leading to lapses that the Knicks exploited for easy baskets.
Despite these setbacks, the Celtics still have the opportunity to address their mistakes as the series continues. By improving their defensive execution and communication, Tatum and Brown can potentially shift the tide in their favor and provide their team with a better chance to succeed. Fans remain hopeful that the Celtics can rally and focus on the details that matter most, turning around their fortunes in the upcoming games.