Jaylen Brown describes ‘toxic’ Celtics atmosphere amid losing streak
Jan 30, 2019; Boston, MA: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown questions a non call with an official during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)
From the NBA Newswire at 985TheSportsHub.com
What’s ailing the underachieving Boston Celtics? It’s clearly not a talent problem. It’s more an issue of what Jaylen Brown describes as a “toxic” locker room.
Speaking to the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn for his Celtics Notebook, Brown says the Celtics need to find a way to get everyone working together and foster a healthier locker room environment if they want to get to the level they need to be at as a team.
“To be honest, I’m not feeling good at all. The losing, it’s not a good feeling. I’m not too good about that,” Brown said. “Because right now it’s not good. It’s toxic. I can’t really point out one thing. I don’t have all the answers. I’m just going to try to be part of the change. I’m going to try to do my best. That’s all I’ve got to say.”
Brown has played some of his best basketball of the season in recent weeks, despite the relative struggles of the 38-26 Celtics. He’s shooting 46.9 percent from the field in his last 20 games, averaging 13.9 points and 5.0 rebounds coming off the bench. After starting 19 straight games to begin the season, Brown has started just four games in his last 40.
“I just try to come out and play hard and hopefully that sparks some [change],” Brown told Washburn. “But it’s not just up to one person. It’s up to the whole group. … Everybody has to be on page. If one person’s not on page, it’s going to affect the whole group. I just try to come out and play hard and see where that leaves me.”
Hopefully the Celtics can turn the corner as soon as Tuesday night, when they take on the defending champion Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. It’s a tall task to upend the 44-19 Warriors, especially as the Celtics have lost seven of their last 10 games.
Click here for all Celtics/NBA updates from 98.5 The Sports Hub.
