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Jaylen Brown Caught Off Guard by Late Jayson Tatum News Right Before Game 7
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum (Photo by Imagn Images)

The Boston Celtics have been rubbing off opponents for the most part of this season. But now that their season ended in disappointment, one detail from Game 7 caught Jaylen Brown off guard at a crucial time.

Minutes before the Celtics’ first-round exit matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brown didn’t know Jayson Tatum would be out until shortly before tipoff.

“I found out probably like 45 minutes before the game,” he said after Boston’s 109-100 loss to the 76ers. “Nobody told me anything, but mindset was the same.”

Despite the late adjustment, the five-time NBA All-Star delivered a standout performance with 33 points and nine rebounds, leading a short-handed group that nearly erased a double-digit deficit at TD Garden. 

Boston cut the lead to one in the fourth quarter but couldn’t capitalize on key possessions down the stretch.

“No feelings of regret whatsoever,” he further added. “I don’t think my teammates should have any regrets.”

The Celtics’ struggles from beyond the arc continued, shooting 13-for-49 from three, an issue that persisted throughout the series. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid controlled the interior with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, helping Philadelphia complete a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit.

Boston adjusted by playing faster and going smaller without Tatum, but the lack of size and execution proved costly.

Jaylen Brown Sums Up Celtics Season After Playoff Exit

Despite the Celtics’ first-round exit, Jaylen Brown didn’t dwell on disappointment; rather, he chose perspective.

Following a seven-game loss to the 76ers, Jaylen Brown described the season in clear terms.

“Great season,” he said. “Obviously, it didn’t finish the way we would’ve liked. I give credit to Philadelphia. I watched them get better as the series went on. But just for our guys to come out in a Game 7 and play with that level of intensity and trust, that’s the style we felt like we’ve been doing all year, and I loved it.”


Jaylen Brown (Image Credits: Imagn)

Boston entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, a position few expected given the adversity they faced. With Jayson Tatum missing significant time while recovering from an Achilles injury, Jaylen Brown carried a larger offensive and leadership load, delivering arguably the best campaign of his career.

That growth showed again in Game 7. The All-Star forward posted 33 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, helping Boston fight back from multiple deficits before falling to the Sixers.

The series itself was tightly contested, with Philadelphia gaining momentum late. Jaylen Brown acknowledged that shift, noting the opponent’s ability to improve as the matchup progressed.

Boston’s late-game execution ultimately proved decisive. Missed opportunities in the fourth quarter of Game 7 prevented the comeback, continuing a trend that shaped the series.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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