In the Boston Celtics’ first-round series win over the Orlando Magic, Jaylen Brown was incredible. He played through his knee injury, proving he can be impactful while injured. But he clearly looked hurt. And now, all eyes will be on whether or not he can replicate that success as the strain on his knee continuously increases throughout the postseason.
That’s where the real concern lies for the Celtics now—can Brown continue to provide high-level minutes on a knee that’s not at 100%? A small break in between the first and second round will help his recovery, but it isn’t nearly enough time for the issue to resolve itself completely.
Will his knee injury deteriorate throughout the next few rounds?
Jaylen Brown’s series vs. Magic was more than anyone could have expected (but he looked hurt)
It only took the Celtics five games to end the Magic’s season. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, however, the Magic proved to be far more formidable opponents than many fans may have expected. While Orlando’s offense couldn’t hold up, their defense was impressive. The Celtics needed Jayson Tatum and Brown to step up big-time in order to secure a series victory.
Tatum absolutely dominated the series, highlighted by a masterful Game 5 performance, but Brown’s play was quietly underrated. His 36-point Game 2 showing earned Boston a Tatum-less win, and he remained ultra-efficient throughout the remainder of the series.
And he did it all while injured.
Brown has been dealing with a bone bruise and right posterior knee impingement for the last couple of months. He even got an injection in the area prior to the start of the playoffs.
In the first round, Brown averaged 23.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 49.4% from the field and 44.4% from behind the three-point line.
Yet as the series went on, the signs of his injury popped up more and more. He wasn’t able to dunk some of the shots he’d usually dunk. He limped back down the court after a big-burst play. Even when he was warming up before games, he didn’t look like his fully healthy self.
Despite that, he was still amazing. But can that continue?
How will Jaylen Brown’s knee hold up moving forward?
If Brown’s knee is already showing signs of regression from the first couple of games of the Magic series, what will it look like in a week from now? What about two weeks from now? What about if the Celtics make another run to the NBA Finals?
Will Brown get another injection? How long will it last? Will opposing teams start trying to go at him?
Luckily for the Celtics, Brown has shown no signs of slowing down. He’s ready to play through the pain and leave everything he has on the court. But mental will only get a player so far.
Brown’s knee didn’t impact his effectiveness in the Magic series, though he was clearly playing hurt. How long will those truths last?
