After the devastating defeat in the previous year’s NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics entered the 2023 season with renewed vigor. While steadily maintaining their spot among the top contending teams in the East, the Celtics made it to the playoffs for a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. After emerging victorious in Game 1 on Saturday night, NBA star Jaylen Brown provided some insight into the ‘mindset’ of the Celtics squad, while discussing the game.

Jaylen Brown is probably used to hearing endless trade rumors about him by now. Days before entering the playoffs, the 2x NBA All-Star sat for an exclusive chat with The Athletic to talk about his reaction to all the recent trade speculations that swirled around Brown.

Jaylen Brown refuses to feel at ease after the big win

Game 1 concluded in the Boston Celtics’ favor as Jaylen Brown led the team to victory by dropping a game-high 29 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Currently the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics scored 112 against the Hawks’ 99. Both teams will be playing against each other again on Tuesday night at the Celtics’ home court.

Shortly after securing a 1-0 lead over Atlanta, Brown talked about his approach toward the next face-off during the post-game media conference. One of the reporters asked Brown about the 30-point lead they had in the first half and if that has played any part in increasing their confidence.

In response, Brown said, “Each game has its own story so we expect to get their best shot next game. Can’t take a team for granted. We let them get a little bit more comfortable in the second half. So, I expect the next game for them to be a little be more prepared. So, we gotta be a little bit more prepared as well.”

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Brown addresses the trade rumors

Fans were rather displeased with the Celtics when they had decided to pick Brown instead of Jimmy Butler. They had expected to tempt Kevin Durant into joining the Celtics with the acquisition. However, things didn’t go as fans had expected and this led many to criticize the franchise for their choice. It has been seven years since then and Brown and Jayson Tatum have become a force to be reckoned with.

However, new trade rumors surrounding Brown threatened to haunt the latter yet again after the All-Star weekend. When NBA Insider Shams Charania asked how he dealt with the rumors, Brown said, “I just worked. I just got in the gym. I worked on my body, I got better, and that was it. I made sure that I was ready to go to the start this season.”

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With determination, he further added, “I was ready to show people, last year, I had some injuries, hamstring, I missed like 15-20 games last year, and I wanted to make sure that I was fully healthy, and I was ready to go from beginning to end, and that was my ultimate goal. Just to come out and show the world what I was capable of, fully.”

Who are your rooting for in the Celtics-Hawks matchup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!