The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are in Abu Dhabi for a two-game slate to kick off their preseason. Last year’s Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown, spoke with reports following the Celtics’ game one victory. He credited his teammates while stressing a one-step-at-a-time philosophy. Already, Brown appears poised to lead Boston by example.
Celtics Finals MVP Preaches Consistency Following Preseason Start
Jaylen Brown Feeling Confident in Abu Dhabi
Brown believes he knows how to keep the ship navigating toward the horizon following last night’s opening preseason game in Abu Dhabi, where the Celtics prevailed over the Denver Nuggets, 107-103. It was part one of a two-game preseason series in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Celtics superstars Brown and Jayson Tatum played only 19 minutes each, scoring 9 and 12 points, respectively. Payton Pritchard was the star of the night, though, putting up 21 points in 24 minutes. Following the game, Brown told reporters that continuity and consistency will be in demand for a successful season. He also discussed the games being in Abu Dhabi.
“We had some good spots defensively. We made some good plays. Offensively, we got some good looks. Some of them didn’t go down because [we’re] getting used to running up and down the court and playing against competition, etc.,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of excitement here in Abu Dhabi as well, so I think the next game, we’ll be better. Just keep building great habits. It’s going to be the key for all pre-season, and just keep winning each day, winning one day at a time.”
Celtics Finals MVP Knows What It’ll Take to Repeat
Building productive habits is essential to the Celtics’ success, and Brown was right on point in saying so. Last year’s championship is irrelevant now, as Boston will start from square one and try to do it again. Brown and Tatum both know what it takes to win now at the highest level in professional basketball. How much the duo will play throughout the pre-season will likely be minimal. However, it is an important opportunity to start that team-wide consistency and continuity before the games begin to count toward the standings.
Brown spoke to what he liked from their inaugural preseason game. He credited his depth teammates, like Celtics fan favorite Pritchard, along with some of the team’s other role players.
“I thought our second group came out and played astonishing. Payton [Pritchard] came out, does what Payton does – hit shots. Sam [Hauser] got a lot of great looks. Jayden [Springer], Jordan [Walsh], [Neemias Queta] all contributed, and we was able to finish out the game and find a way to win.”
Brown Looks Ready to Lead by Example
One step at a time—that’s how Brown sees it. The leadership of the Celtics will come from him and Tatum, the club’s two superstars. Good on the reigning Celtics Finals MVP for acknowledging that there is always work to be done no matter when or how much you win. The Celtics will lace up again on Sunday, October 6th, for their second match with the Nuggets. As it stands, Jaylen Brown is prepared to lead by example. Judging by his postgame comments, getting the details right in the preseason and continuing to build on them is where success will come from.
