One of the biggest factors in the Boston Celtics’ unexpected success so far this season has been how hard the team plays almost every game, from star forward Jaylen Brown to guys who rarely see the floor like Xavier Tillman Sr. And while it might have started out as one of those rare lazy games when Boston took the floor vs. the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center this past Friday (Jan. 23) night, it ended with a gritty win from the Celtics.
Asked about that dynamic this season, Brown shared his thoughts on what was sparking this high-octane version of the Celtics. “I think it just started from before the season … we just set a precedent, just set a tone for what we want Celtic basketball to be,” he explained via CLNS Media.
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“And it wasn’t an excuse for (any) of our guys, not me or for anyone, the top to the bottom,” added the star Boston forward.
Jan 23, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) brings the ball up court against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during double overtime at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
“If you’re not playing hard, if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing, you’re not putting in effort,” he added. “Then you don’t need to be out on the floor.”
“And I think the fans respect that more than anything. The X’s and O’s will be the X’s and O’s, make or miss shots. But your effort, playing hard, defending, and things like that, that’s stuff that I think the city of Boston represents.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Jaylen Brown on why the Celtics are playing harder this season