Nov 18, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

'Come Ready to Play or Don’t Come at All' – Boston Celtics Star Sends Strong Message After NBA Cup Loss Vs. Brooklyn Nets

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 6:01 AM ET

Jaylen Brown was not in a good mood during the press conference after the Boston Celtics lost to the Brooklyn Nets with a score of 113-105 in the NBA Cup group stage yesterday.

Brown, who finished with 26 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 9-for-18 shooting from the field, called out the Boston Celtics’ lack of energy and sent a timely reminder ahead of their next home game against the Orlando Magic on Monday.

“Overall, as a group, we just lacked energy. Tough whistle tonight. I guess I had to do better in certain spots… Just a lackluster game from the Celtics,” Brown said via Celtics on CLNS via X (formerly known as Twitter).

I Was Just Playing Like S**t - Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown Drops Brutally Honest Take on His Outing Vs. Brooklyn Nets 1 Nov 18, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) brings the ball up court against Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“Come ready to play, or don’t come at all. We’ve gotta come ready to play. We just went through the motions today. That’s how I understand it,” he added.

Boston Celtics News: Anfernee Simons shares the main reason why they lost to the Brooklyn Nets

During a postgame interview with the media, Anfernee Simons pointed to the Boston Celtics’ tough second and third periods, where the Brooklyn Nets outscored them 70-49. From that point on, the team tried to claw its way back but ultimately fell short.

Nov 21, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons (4) drives to the basket during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

“Slow start. In the first half, we didn’t play the brand of basketball we wanna play, and we found ourselves digging out of a hole,” Simons explained. “We could’ve prevented it for sure.”

Simons was one of the bright spots for the Boston Celtics, as he recorded 23 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 10-for-16 shooting from the field in 33 minutes off the bench.