Celtics Jaylen Brown on his masked return

For the primary time shortly, the Boston Celtics had a clear harm report (outdoors of Danilo Gallinari), which meant the return of Jaylen Brown to the beginning lineup. Brown had been out of the lineup earlier than the All-Star break following a collision with star teammate Jayson Tatum which resulted in a facial fracture for Brown. After getting fitted for a masks, Brown made his triumphant return throughout the All-Star Sport, and led Workforce LeBron in scoring with 35 factors, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists.

“It’s gonna take some getting used to,” mentioned Brown on carrying a masks. “Some issues that I gotta modify and adapt to, however I’ll. At this time was the primary, I’d say, actual recreation with it on, and I believe it went nice. However it’s gonna positively take some getting used to and a few changes, and with the ability to adapt to it. However, to date so good.”

For what it’s value, Brown seemed nice and didn’t appear to overlook a beat, scoring 30 factors on 11-of-24 taking pictures to go together with 11 rebounds, three assists and a block. Whereas he nonetheless had three turnovers, the star ahead didn’t appear to be hesitant with the masks on, and stored up his aggressive play on the offensive finish, driving by way of contact and end on the rim on a number of events.

“It’s fairly thick. Generally it will get slightly sizzling in your face,” mentioned Brown on his masks. “However I felt protected. I didn’t shrink back from contact, I didn’t really feel like I needed to alter my recreation slightly or something like that. So, it’s slightly uncomfortable at occasions, after which generally you gotta get your head round and be sure you see every part.”

Brown first sustained the harm on February eighth, and by Friday, February tenth, he was identified with a maxillary facial fracture. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was capable of report that Brown wouldn’t want surgical procedure, and in spite of everything of that, Brown solely missed 4 video games (4 and a half for those who embody the second half of their matchup in opposition to the 76ers). All issues thought-about, Jaylen’s progress and fast restoration are spectacular, however he isn’t out of the woods but.

“My guess is round someplace between 4 to 6 weeks,” mentioned Brown when requested about his restoration timetable and the way lengthy he could need to put on the masks. “I believe every week has already glided by, with the All-Star (break). We’re going to be actual acquainted with one another after this length.”

With solely 22 video games remaining within the season, Brown might be taking part in with no masks anytime from the center to the tip of March; Boston will solely have 4 video games in April earlier than the playoffs kick off, as they proceed to carry the highest seed within the Japanese Convention. After coping with so many accidents through the years, together with this season, the Celtics have been lucky that Jaylen Brown’s harm was no more extreme or required surgical procedure.

The Celtics will go well with up once more on Saturday night time as they tackle the Philadelphia 76ers on the street, 8:30PM EST tipoff.