The Boston Celtics came back from the All-Star Break recharged and ready to go, opening the second half with a 121-110 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Playing without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, the depleted Warriors made the score more respectable during garbage time, but the game was a true blowout. The Celtics led by 23 points at halftime and as many as 34 in the third quarter before taking their foot off the gas.
Boston also got to see former teammates Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, both of whom left the organization last offseason.
Jaylen Brown knows both of them well, having spent two seasons with Porzingis and seven with Horford. They won an NBA championship together in 2024.
After the game, Brown was asked what it was like competing against his former teammates. His response was both hilarious and savage.
Jaylen Brown on playing Horford and Porzingis tonight:
“Those guys helped us win a championship in 2024, so no better way than to respect them than giving them the belt tonight.”
— jb (@lockedupjb) February 20, 2026
“Those guys helped us win a championship in 2024, so no better way than to respect them than giving them the belt tonight,” said Brown, who recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists.
Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, and then subsequently dealt to Golden State before the NBA Trade Deadline. Thursday was his first game with the Warriors, and he played well with 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench.
Horford, on the other hand, left in free agency for reasons unknown. He played poorly with only five points on 2-of-10 shooting in 28 minutes.
Brown is a fierce competitor and takes the game very seriously, so it’s not surprising that he didn’t show his former teammates any mercy. He plays to win no matter who he’s facing, and that’s exactly what he did.
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