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Jaylen Brown still believes the Celtics can make it to the playoffs in the 2025-26 season
The Boston Celtics fell to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night at State Farm Arena after a dominant third quarter from the home team. Jaylen Brown finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, shooting 9-of-29 from the field.
The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum who sat out on the second night of a back-to-back. They were also without Neemias Queta, Nikola Vucevic, and Ron Harper Jr.
After the game, Brown addressed the media.
Brown’s Response After the Loss
Brown did not hedge when asked about the result.
“This game was on me,” Brown said. “I got to be better. Probably one of my worst performances in a while and that cost us the game.”
No excuses about the missing players. No mention of the Achilles tendinitis that kept him out of Sunday’s win in Charlotte. Just accountability.
Brown shot 9-of-29 from the field and 3-of-9 from three. Dyson Daniels made his life difficult all night, staying attached to him from the opening quarter. Through three quarters, Brown was shooting just 4-of-18. The shots were not there.
He found a rhythm late with a burst in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to single digits. But by then the damage was done.
Jaylen Brown on the Celtics loss to the Hawks:
“This game was on me. I got to be better. Probably one of my worst performances in a while and that cost us the game.”
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@CLNSMedia | Q: @GwashburnGlobe
Brown on His Achilles
Brown returned to the Celtics lineup Monday after sitting out Sunday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets with left Achilles tendinitis. When asked whether the injury is a concern, he dismissed it.
“Nah, everybody’s dealing with something… just some soreness,” Brown said. “Definitely want to make sure you stay healthy as much as possible and you don’t want to risk anything, but it’ll be fine going forward.”
Seven regular season games remain before the playoffs begin. Brown has carried this team all season, averaging 28.6 points per game. Boston has a good record this season without him, but a deep playoff run requires Brown at full strength.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks steals the ball from aylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the first half at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
How Monday Unfolded for the Celtics
The game was tied at 54 heading into halftime. Atlanta outscored Boston 36-22 in the third quarter and never looked back.
Luka Garza was outstanding for the Celtics, scoring 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting with 9 rebounds. Payton Pritchard added 16 points off the bench.
Atlanta had all five starters in double figures. Jalen Johnson led the way with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Daniels finished with 18 on 8-of-11 shooting.
Boston drops to 50-25 with seven regular season games remaining.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 30: CJ McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks lays up a shot against Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Celtics
Brown nearly had a triple-double. Most players would take 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists and call it a solid night.
Brown called it one of his worst performances. That is the standard he holds himself to. That is why the Celtics are a 50-win team in what everyone called a gap year.
Boston heads to Miami on Wednesday. Brown will be better. He said so himself.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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