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Jaylen Brown Makes 'Emotional' Admission on Celtics' Failed Title Defense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 25, 2025 3:39 PM ET

The Boston Celtics won the NBA championship last year against the Dallas Mavericks in five games. It was the 18th time the Celtics won the title, the most in NBA history.

Boston was the second seed in the Eastern Conference this year. The Celtics beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs in five games, setting up a clash with the New York Knicks in the second round.

The Knicks won Games 1 and 2 in Boston, but the Celtics responded by winning Game 3 in New York. Game 4 was up for grabs, and Boston had a shot to win. Then, disaster struck.

Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon and underwent surgery the next day. Without Tatum, the Celtics lost Games 4 and 6, ending their chance to repeat as champions.

On Saturday, Jaylen Brown admitted to Noa Dalzell of Celtics Blog that he's still "decompressing emotionally" after losing to New York in the conference semifinals. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP expected to be playing at this time of the year, so it has been tough for him to move on.

“I was expecting to be playing right now,” Brown said. "Right now, I’m decompressing emotionally. And then in a week or so, I pick up the pieces. I see what the direction is for myself, my health and the organization. And, whatever the outcome is, I’m excited.”

Brown finished this season with a partially torn right meniscus. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the regular season and 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists in the postseason.

The 28-year-old Brown will make $53.1 million next season. The California product has career averages of 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

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

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