Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives past Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1). Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown called out 'hostile' Sixers crowd after Celtics win

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 2/26/23

Stop if you've heard this one before, but Philadelphia sports fans sometimes do terrible things.

According to Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, Philly fans shared some not-so-pleasant comments with him before Saturday night's thrilling victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

"Before the game, I was entering the arena, and all these people saying, 'I hope you tear your ACL,'" Brown told NBC Sports Boston. "I understand people care, and they love the team they cheer for, but I think it gets a little bit excessive at times."

Despite the despicable fan behavior, Brown and the Celtics had the last laugh. Brown led the Celtics in scoring on Saturday with 26 points in a 110-107 Boston victory, capped off by a game-winning three-pointer from Jayson Tatum with two seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Jaylen Brown waving goodbye to all of his haters in Philly #Celtics pic.twitter.com/bjgMuiWJ4L
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) February 26, 2023

Even after the exhilarating win, Brown downplayed its significance, rivalry or not.

"I'm sure we'll see them down the line. So, you just be ready when it's time to go," Brown said. "It's fun playing here. The crowd was a little bit hostile in moments. People on the side was talking crazy, etc., but you persevere, make some plays and get the win."

Brown and the Celtics have one more regular-season meeting with the Sixers, making a return trip to Philly on April 4. However, with both squads near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, there's potential for another encounter in the postseason.

Boston remains atop the East at 44-17, holding a slim 0.5-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks (43-17). Meanwhile, the Sixers have a three-game cushion over the Cleveland Cavaliers (38-25) for third in the conference.

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