Tatum and Brown know the Celtics can only quiet doubters with a title
INDIANAPOLIS — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were constantly reminded at All-star Weekend that the Celtics own the league’s best record and are favored to win Boston’s first title in 16 years.
And they were also reminded they’ve never won a title as a duo, and the past two championship shortcomings — losing in the Finals and then in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals — may serve as proof they may lack the fortitude to win the ultimate prize.
So they approached media day Saturday with caution. It makes no sense to brag on regular-season accomplishments or their six-game lead in the Eastern Conference when they’ll only quiet doubters by winning 16 postseason games.
Brown, who will be playing in his third All-star Game on Sunday night, understands the skepticism, especially since the Celtics fell behind, 3-0, last season to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat before rallying to force a Game 7.
But he maintains this year is different. The past experiences have hardened this group; prepared them for adversity that is sure to come, adversity he’s convinced they can overcome.
“We’ve had a lot of success,” he said at Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse. ”We haven’t had the ultimate level of success but hopefully that will be this year. But it’s been great, learning process, being a part of winning and building a culture and legacy in Boston has been fun to do with my co-partner [Tatum].”
Although the duo has yet to reach the prime of their careers, they have endured inspiring triumphs but also deflating setbacks. The rest of the Eastern Conference teams are going through their share of issues. The Celtics have lost two games in a row just once. They have been exemplary in the first half.
“Overall experience, going through ups and downs, disappointments, high expectations, low expectations I think has cultivated our minds to where [they’re] at now,” Brown said. “And it’s about something bigger. [Tatum’s] willing to sacrifice. I’m willing to sacrifice and whatever it takes to get to the ultimate goal.
“It’s a mentality to be able to focus for long durations of time. I think that’s the challenge in sports, is to get to the ultimate focus. When you get to the playoffs, whoever’s focus breaks first is going to be the team that loses. I challenge my team and throughout the regular season is when you build the endurance for that. And I think we’ve been doing a good job this year. This has been the best year in terms of focusing mentally that we’ve had since I’ve been here. I’m feeling strong and confident about our team heading into the playoffs.”
Brown said the different this season has been the emergence of Kristaps Porzingis, who turned in an All-star caliber first half, adding a unique dimension to the Celtics’ offense and defense. Brown said he wants more from his 7-foot-3-inch teammate.