The Boston Celtics extended their win streak to eight games with a 121-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, improving to 55-19 on the season. With eight games left, Boston is in prime position to reach 60 wins for the second straight year as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back championships.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0)
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
Saturday’s game marked just the 21st time this season that Boston was able to field its preferred starting five of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White. While Tatum returned after missing two games, Brown was making only his third appearance since recovering from a knee injury.
Despite being back in the lineup, Brown recently admitted after Boston’s win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday that his knee is still not fully healed. Following Saturday’s victory, head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about Brown’s status and how the team is managing his injury.
“You trust him, you trust the sports science team, you trust the trainers. You trust him taking care of the body, and he’s doing everything he can to be available — and he takes pride in that,” Mazzulla said.
Brown has been a key contributor for Boston this season, appearing in 59 games and averaging 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists. The four-time All-Star played a pivotal role in Boston’s championship run last year and was named Finals MVP for his standout performances against the Dallas Mavericks.
With All-NBA selection criteria requiring players to appear in at least 65 games, Brown will need to play in seven of Boston’s final eight matchups to remain eligible. The Celtics will look to carefully manage his minutes as they continue their push for a deep playoff run and a second consecutive title.
