Celtics
Brown brought an edge to the Celtics that helped them get the victory, Mazzulla said.
Jaylen Brown’s intensity was crucial for the Celtics on Friday. Matthew J. Lee/Globe team
-
Jayson Tatum drops 34 to lead Celtics to tough win over Bucks: 10 takeaways
-
‘No one can guard him in the league’: Jrue Holiday credits Jayson Tatum for igniting Celtics in win over Bucks
Somehow, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to find ways to connect his elbow with Jaylen Brown’s upper body.
The last time the Bucks and Celtics met in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo was called for an offensive foul after elbowing Brown.
As they walked back up the floor, Antetokounmpo pretended to offer Brown a handshake and took it away before Brown could reach him. Brown called Antetokounmpo a “child” for his antics after the game.
On Friday night, Brown was called for a technical foul after Antetokounmpo hit him in the chest with an elbow early in the third quarter. Brown scored on Antetokounmpo and did the “too little” celebration.
Antetokounmpo extended his elbow as Brown passed. Then, after the ball went inbounds, Brown and Antetokounmpo collided.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said physicality helped ignite Brown’s game. Brown scored 25 points with three rebounds, three assists and a block against a turnover.
“I thought the elbow to the face ‘unlocked’ Jaylen a little bit,” Mazzulla said. “I thought Jaylen’s technique was great and I thought from that point on he just gave us an edge and we were able to feed off that.”
The Celtics, who led by four at the time of Brown’s technical foul, essentially played the Bucks to a tie for the rest of the quarter. They ended up winning by six.
Brown only scored two more baskets after his technical foul, but that momentum helped the Celtics secure the victory. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with a double-double of 34 points and 10 rebounds.
Tatum paused when asked if he enjoyed the physical side of the match before smiling and saying “yeah.”
“There’s a fine line, isn’t it?” As long as it’s fair,” Tatum said. “If they can pull us, grab us and push us, we should be able to do the same. And if that’s how the whole game is going to play out, then I have no problem with that. It’s competitive. It’s fun. That’s part of it.
With Friday’s 111-105 victory, the Celtics swept the regular season series against the Bucks. It was a physical game, similar to the playoffs.
Al Horford said he appreciated that the referees let both teams play with that level of physicality.
“Yeah, it’s great. Two very good teams,” Horford said. “Not every game is the same in the regular season and this one had a little more to offer. I was happy that they let us play.
Sign up for Celtics updates🏀
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox during the basketball season.
