Jaylen Brown spoke to the media after the Boston Celtics clinched their 18th NBA title, emphasizing the journey and resilience he and teammate Jayson Tatum exhibited in overcoming critics.
"Just our growth together. We've been through a lot. We've been playing together for seven years now. We've been through a lot."
"The losses, the expectations, the media. It said all different types of things, you know, we can't play together, we're never going to win, we earned it all. You know, we just blocked it out and we just kept going."
"I trust him, he trusted me, and we did it together. So, you know, to get to this point, you know, and share that experience with JT is just awesome. I can't, you know what I mean, it's just amazing. It feels great."
“We can't play together. We are never going to win. We heard it all. But we just blocked it out, & we just kept going. I trusted him. He trusted me.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 18, 2024
Jaylen Brown on the criticism he & Jayson Tatum have faced ️
(via @NoaDalzellNBA)pic.twitter.com/Fypc1RPvWr
Reflecting on their partnership, Brown highlighted the growth and perseverance they demonstrated throughout their careers. Both players were drafted by the Celtics in consecutive years, with Brown joining in 2016 and Tatum in 2017.
Brown and Tatum, who have played together for seven years, faced numerous challenges, including media scrutiny and doubts about their compatibility and potential to win championships.
Over the years, they endured several disappointments, including four Eastern Conference Finals losses for Brown and three for Tatum, as well as an NBA Finals loss each. Despite these setbacks, they remained committed to their goals and to each other, ultimately leading their team to victory.
In their journey to the championship, Brown and Tatum played 107 playoff games together, the most by any duo before winning an NBA title. This achievement underscores their determination and ability to block out negativity and continue striving for success. Brown expressed his pride and joy in sharing this milestone with Tatum, acknowledging the hard work and mutual trust that fueled their success.
The Celtics' championship run culminated in a decisive 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5. Tatum delivered a stellar performance with 31 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Brown added 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, earning the NBA Finals MVP award.
Their combined efforts, along with contributions from teammates like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, propelled the Celtics to their historic 18th title.
This victory not only marked a personal triumph for Brown and Tatum but also solidified their place in Celtics history. Their ability to overcome adversity and prove their critics wrong serves as an inspiration to their teammates and fans alike. The bond they share and the growth they've experienced together have been integral to their success, and their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork.
As Brown and Tatum continue their careers, their story of resilience and determination will remain a defining chapter in the storied history of the Boston Celtics.
Jaylen Brown recently shared his thoughts on his journey to becoming an NBA champion and Finals MVP, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that defined his career.
"I absolutely can't, man. Just the story and the journey is awesome. You know, just being drafted here in Boston, like a lot of the people prior didn't watch me play out in the Pac-12 at Cal. So, you know, it led to a lot of people, you know, feeling a way about that."
"And you know, I just came in and kept my head down and told myself I'm going to just keep working and to be here in this moment now through all the years through all the doubt, through all of the ups and downs, through all of the adversity, through all of the everything, you know, it just makes the story that much sweeter but I can't even put it into words like it just feels great."
"The story and the journey is awesome."
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
The 2024 #NBAFinals MVP... Jaylen Brown pic.twitter.com/WwA9XtONzY
Drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 2017, Brown acknowledged that many fans were initially skeptical, as they hadn't seen much of his play in the Pac-12 at Cal. Despite this, Brown remained focused and committed to his growth, keeping his head down and working tirelessly.
Brown's dedication paid off as he developed into a key player for the Celtics, forming a formidable partnership with Jayson Tatum. This dynamic duo faced numerous obstacles, including skepticism from the media and tough playoff losses. However, these challenges only fueled Brown's determination to succeed. His perseverance through adversity made his journey to the championship all the more rewarding.
During the NBA Finals, Brown's performance was instrumental in the Celtics' victory. He averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 44% from the field. These impressive stats earned him the Finals MVP award, justifying the massive $304 million contract he signed earlier.
Brown's story is one of resilience and hard work. From the early days of doubt to becoming a superstar and leading his team to victory, his journey is a testament to his character and dedication. Reflecting on his achievement, Brown expressed immense gratitude and joy, stating that the journey made the victory even sweeter.
For Jaylen Brown, becoming an NBA champion is not just a professional milestone but a personal triumph that validates years of relentless effort and unwavering belief in himself.
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