Jaylen Brown remains calm despite Game 2 loss: Welcome to the playoffs

Q: What did Jaylen Brown say after the Celtics' Game 2 loss?

Jaylen Brown stated, 'It's the playoffs. Welcome to the playoffs,' emphasizing the need to be ready for challenges.

Q: How many times have the Celtics lost Game 2 in recent playoffs?

The Celtics have lost Game 2 of a playoff series five times in the last four postseasons.

Q: What was Jaylen Brown's performance in Game 2 against the 76ers?

Jaylen Brown recorded a game-high 36 points in 38 minutes during the loss to the 76ers.

Q: When is the next game for the Celtics in the playoff series against the 76ers?

The Celtics will play Game 3 against the 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Tuesday night.

BOSTON — No team wants to lose Game 2 of a first-round playoff series, especially as the heavy favorites. However, star guard Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics have been in the postseason mix enough to know not everything goes according to plan, and that when things do go wrong, there's no need to panic. So, following a disappointing 111-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at TD Garden, the Celtics didn't sound distressed. Their tone was more so frustrated, but with a sense of calm. Brown wouldn't let the double-digit defeat overwhelm him, which was an approach shared by fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum, head coach Joe Mazzulla, and others.

Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (11) in the second half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images "It’s the playoffs," Brown stated. "Welcome to the playoffs. You know what I mean? So, we’ve just got to be ready to go. I’ve played in series that have gone similar." He wasn't exaggerating, as the Celtics have fell in Game 2 of a playoff series five times in the last four postseasons. In fact, the C's were in a similar situation last time they faced the Sixers in the playoffs in 2023. Boston lost Game 1 at home then to an undermanned squad without star center — who's also been sidelined for the first two games of this current series — and headed on the road with the series tied 1-1. The Celtics ended up eliminating the rival 76ers in seven games. "You just can’t take nothing for granted," Brown said. "We’ve got to be ready to go next game." Although the Celtics struggled to keep up with the Sixers as the game went on, Brown was steady whenever he checked in. The four-time All-Star recorded a game-high 36 points in 38 minutes and was responsible for 5 of the Green Team's 13 triples. Unfortunately for Boston, Tatum was the only other Celtic in double figures on the night. "I trust our group," Brown said at the podium. "Obviously, this is the ultimate test, playing in the playoffs. We got players who have gotten better and developed, and we're going to rely on them. I trust them to come out and make those plays and contribute to the game. We just got to continue to have the right mentality, have each other's back, and just breathe." Brown and Tatum have been in so many playoff games together that these wins and losses aren't all that jarring for them. They want that experience to rub off on the rest of the roster, which features a fair chunk of guys who aren't as used to the highs and lows of playoff basketball. "We're still growing and learning as a team," Brown emphasized. "These opportunities, you can look at it as a negative or you could look at it as a positive. So, we'll learn from it and we'll get back to Celtics basketball." While Brown said Game 1 was a great example of "Celtics basketball," Game 2 certainly wasn't. Boston didn't take care of the ball and its perimeter defense was lacking at times. Plus, the Sixers outworked the Celtics in the moments that mattered, preventing the home team from truly satisfying an eager TD Garden crowd. Now it's the Celtics turn to try to upset the home fans, as they'll square off with the Sixers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Tuesday night for Game 3 with the series knotted at one game apiece. "It's going to be a journey," Brown said. "There are going to be some ups and some downs, and I'm looking forward to it with my guys." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *