Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Jaylen Brown on the luxury of returning to contention with Boston Celtics
TL;DR
Jaylen Brown expresses gratitude for being part of the Boston Celtics, who have made the playoffs for 12 consecutive seasons. Despite challenges this season, including injuries, Brown and the team are focused on their playoff preparation.
BOSTON ā All Jaylen Brown has known for his entire career is the Boston Celtics. And while many NBA superstars often seek a change of scenery after a few years, Brown realizes he's fortunate to be part of such a special organization. After posting a 56-26 record this regular season, the Celtics have now made the playoffs in 12 consecutive seasons, which is enough for the longest active postseason streak in the league (and the third-longest in franchise history). Brown has never been on a team that's missed the playoffs since getting drafted to Beantown in 2016, and he sounded especially appreciative of that fact on Wednesday morning at Celtics practice.
Jaylen Brown said he has an appreciative attitude heading into the playoffs:
āI'm very grateful to be here. You don't always get promised to be on a 50-win team heading into the playoffs. It's been a luxury here being able to be a part of that.ā pic.twitter.com/O1llVztPSG
ā Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 15, 2026 āI'm very grateful to be here," he said. "You don't always get promised to be on a 50-win team heading into the playoffs. It's been a luxury here being able to be a part of that.ā Perhaps Brown was feeling extra grateful since few people thought the Celtics would be in this position heading into the 2025-26 campaign. The C's lost multiple starters over the summer and star Jayson Tatum was expected to be out for at least several months. Yet, in spite of these hindrances, Boston overachieved and Brown helped them do so by putting together a career year. "First and foremost: I'm grateful and thankful," Brown described of his mentality. "My humility is at the highest." How many of the non-rookie, "Gap Year" Celtics who finished the season with Boston averaged career-highs in scoring? Almost everybody.
- Jaylen Brown
- Payton Pritchard
- Derrick White
- Neemias Queta
- Sam Hauser
- Luka Garza
- Baylor Scheierman
- Jordan Walsh
- Ron Harper Jr. pic.twitter.com/EpeXdzchZB
ā Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 13, 2026 Although the Celtics are proud of what they accomplished over the last 82 games, they understand that a truly great team is forged in the playoffs. "My mindset, my mentality is preparation and getting ready for Game 1," Brown stated. On Sunday afternoon, the Celtics will host either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. The winner of a Wednesday night Play-In Tournament game between the aforementioned squads in Philly will take the seventh seed and fly to Boston shortly after. The Celtics went a combined 5-3 versus the Sixers and Magic this season, but Brown emphasized that they won't underestimate their opponent, no matter their record. "It allows you not to take your opponent lightly," Brown said of his grateful approach. "I respect my opponent, whoever it may be, we'll find that out tonight." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire:Ā iTunes:Ā YouTube:Ā *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *
Q&A
What is Jaylen Brown's playoff experience with the Boston Celtics?
Jaylen Brown has never been on a team that missed the playoffs since being drafted by the Celtics in 2016, contributing to their 12 consecutive postseason appearances.
How did the Boston Celtics perform during the 2025-26 regular season?
The Boston Celtics finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 56-26 record, achieving the longest active playoff streak in the NBA.
Who will the Boston Celtics face in the first round of the playoffs?
The Boston Celtics will host either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs, depending on the outcome of a Play-In Tournament game.