Brown fills Celtics’ vocal leadership void

his more familiar flow.

Over the past decade, marcus smart was usually the one to publicly hold the celtics accountable when things went sour. When he was traded to the Grizzlies, there were questions about whether the celtics had another voice to step into that role.

brown seems to be embracing the responsibility. The celtics haven’t had a threegame losing streak all season, so there haven’t been many moments that required someone to speak up. but brown has been a willing voice during mild downturns.

Players acknowledged some flaws in Thursday’s Game 2 loss to the cavaliers, but certainly did not sound any alarms. brown, meanwhile, called the performance “unacceptable” in three answers during his fourminute press conference.

When asked whether he shared a similar message to his teammates, he declined to provide details but made it clear that his voice had been heard.

“What was said, was said,” brown said. “Now, we just come out and make some adjustments and get ready to play some ball.”

When the heat poured in a franchise playoff-record 23 3-pointers in their stunning Game 2 first-round win, the celtics mostly chalked it up to a slight lack of defensive intensity combined with some unsustainable shooting luck. They were mostly proven right, as they dominated the final three games of the series.

it remains to be seen whether this conference semifinal will follow a similar path, but there is at least some encouraging data for the celtics. On Thursday night, the cavaliers converted a blistering 26 of 42 contested field goal attempts (61.9 percent). The celtics, meanwhile, made just 19 of 49 (38.8 percent).

R Donovan mitchell has been the best player in this series. his quiet first half Thursday was followed by a 23-point eruption in the second. celtics coach Joe mazzulla said cleveland freed up mitchell with some off-ball screens that led to some miscommunications within the defense.

The celtics are forced to switch constantly, but Jrue holiday had the most success shadowing mitchell in Game 2. According to the NbA’s tracking data, he defended mitchell for 24 possessions and held the All-star to 0-for-3 shooting. meanwhile, mitchell was 7 for 10 when guarded by Tatum or brown over 32 combined possessions.

After Thursday’s loss, Tatum was asked about the perception that the celtics should win every game because they are so talented. Tatum flipped it around and pointed out that some of the same pundits who expect so much from the celtics did not think very highly of them in voting for postseason awards.

“We didn’t have the coach of the Year,” he said. “We didn’t have mVP. We only had two All-stars. so, say we’re a super-team, but we didn’t get rewarded like we are.

“but we know we’ve got a good team. We’re not perfect. We play the right way more often than not, and we’ve got to be better.”

The cavaliers played just fine without center Jarrett Allen in Game 2, but his rib injury has become mysterious. Allen has been listed as questionable prior to cleveland’s last five games and missed all of them.

less than two hours before Game 2, cavs coach J.b. bickerstaff said it had not been determined whether Allen would play. he was ruled out soon after that.

Perhaps it’s just gamesmanship by the cavaliers, but Allen is believed to be dealing with soreness rather than something more significant.

When bickerstaff was asked what steps Allen would need to take before returning, he was generally vague and did not sound optimistic.

Allen, a former All-star, averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during the regular season.