Sunday, March 2, witnessed one of the biggest games of the NBA season. The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, two top teams in their respective conferences, locked horns, and it was a spectacle of basketball talent. The Celtics, led by MVP candidate Jayson Tatum and star shooting guard and four-time NBA All-Star selection Jaylen Brown, got the upper hand as they defeated the Nuggets 110-103.
Brown was the leading scorer for the Celtics as he had 22 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. His performance was particularly impressive given his recent injury, which had sidelined him for three of the last seven games. Before the game against the Nuggets, Brown was listed as questionable due to right knee pain. After the game, he talked about his injury and how it’s bothering him.
Jaylen Brown Opens Up About His Injury Concerns
The game against the Nuggets must have come as a relief for Joe Mazzulla and Co. as Brown, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, fired up the court with his performance. Despite injury concerns, Brown seems efficient on the court. He converted 40% of his field goals, and his efficiency was further bolstered by his 3-point accuracy, hitting 2-of-4 shots.
Notably, Brown recorded his 600th career steal, becoming the 11th player in Celtics history to achieve this milestone.
Jaylen Brown recorded his 600th steal today, becoming the 11th Celtics to reach that mark.
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) March 2, 2025
However, his injury is a real concern, and Brown wants it to be addressed as swiftly as possible. Talking after the game, Brown revealed that his injury had been bothering him since the All-Star break. He further emphasized his commitment to the team and wants to contribute as efficiently as possible.
Likewise, he also asserted that he doesn’t want to use the injury as an excuse but will monitor it moving forward.
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“It’s been bothering me since before the break. Something I’ll definitely take a look at,” Brown said in his press conference.
“But it’s the season; I don’t make any excuses for it. Try to take care of my body as best as possible and get out there and do what my team needs me to do. So, we’ll see how it is moving forward.”
Jaylen Brown on his right knee pain (he was initially questionable for the Celtics’ win over the Nuggets today):
"It's been bothering me since before the break. Something I'll definitely take a look at.
“But it's the season; I don't make any excuses for it. Try to take care of… pic.twitter.com/6fbpY4pTX9
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) March 2, 2025
Injury was an issue for both teams. The Celtics have to make do without Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) and Jrue Holiday (mallet finger). On the Nuggets’ side, Aaron Gordon was sidelined with a left ankle sprain. But Brown joining the action made the difference for the Celtics. Additionally, Tatum (16 points) and Dominican sensation Al Holford (19 points) also supported Brown, leading their team to a victory that ended their two-game losing streak.
For Denver, star guard Jamal Murray led the charge with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Nuggets’ third defeat in their last 10 games.
