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Jaylen Brown’s improvement as passer fuels Celtics’ hot streak

Tim Crowley February 14th, 2022
Feb 11, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) looks to pass around Denver Nuggets guard Bones Hyland (3) and forward Will Barton (5) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

As winners of eight straight, the Boston Celtics are getting hot at a beneficial time. And Jaylen Brown’s recent run of unselfish basketball has been a promising trend.

In addition to scoring 22 points, Brown also dished out nine assists in the Celtics’ 126-91 win over the Nets last Tuesday. This total was good for his best since exactly a month earlier, when he exploded for 11 assists against the Knicks on Jan. 8.

This evolution of Brown’s recent play can be traced back to a Dec. 29 matchup with the Clippers. Brown took a season-high 36 shots without a single assist. That was the start of a five-game stretch where Brown averaged 1.8 assists per game. Since then, he’s averaging 4.1 assists over his last 19.

Brown’s production as a distributor is still on the rise in February, with 4.5 assists across the first six games. That’s up from January, when he averaged 3.2.

Along with Jayson Tatum, Brown continues to be a high-end scoring threat with the ball in his hands. But his continued willingness to draw attention in order to open up passing lanes will be crucial.

Following the win in Brooklyn, Brown spoke to Boston’s improvement in spreading the floor to create opportunities for each other.

“I think our spacing has improved tremendously,” said Brown. “We respect each other’s spacing. That allows us to make plays and see the floor better.”

Brown’s leadership and offensive versatility will continue to be a necessary spark for the Celtics down the stretch.

Boston looks to capture its ninth straight win at home on Tuesday night against Philadelphia.

More from 985TheSportsHub.com…

Recapping the Celtics' trio of moves at the 2022 NBA trade deadline

  • Danny Ainge had overseen almost two decades worth of trade deadlines as the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. Fans may have been unsure of what to expect as Brad Stevens manned the phones for the first time since being promoted to Ainge’s old job back in June.

    What ensued was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent memory in Boston sports. In total, the Celtics traded away seven players and a first-round pick, acquired two players and a second-round pick, and added a future first-round pick swap. Here’s a quick rundown of each of the Celtics’ three deals done throughout the day…

    Trade 1

    Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

    Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

    Celtics get:

    — Future 2nd-round pick

    Magic get:

    — F P.J. Dozier
    — C Bol Bol
    — Future 2nd-round pick
    — Cash considerations

    (Full trade details)

    The Celtics’ first move of the day wasn’t a major one, but it did help the team get under the luxury tax. Boston acquired P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol just a few weeks ago in a three team deal that saw them send forward Juancho Hernangomez and cash considerations to San Antonio.

  • Trade 2

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on December 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Celtics get:

    — G Derrick White

    Spurs get:

    — G/F Josh Richardson
    — G Romeo Langford
    — 2022 1st-round pick (1-4 protected)

    (Full trade details)

    A few hours later, the Celtics made their first player acquisition of the day, adding starting Spurs shooting guard Derrick White. White is expected to fill a similar role in Boston. His defensive prowess will give the Celtics a lockdown backcourt, with White playing next to Marcus Smart. Meanwhile, Richardson was part of the bench unit while Langford was struggling to find minutes in the rotation. This deal also includes a 2028 first-round pick swap, with Boston’s pick top-1 protected.

  • Trade 3

    Dec 15, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (27) rebounds beside guard Josh Christopher (9) and forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

    Celtics get:

    — C Daniel Theis

    Rockets get:

    — G Dennis Schröder
    — F Bruno Fernando
    — C Enes Freedom

    (Full trade details)

    For the second year in a row, the Celtics made a trade involving Daniel Theis just before the trade deadline hit. This time, the Celtics brought back Theis for a second stint, and moved point guard Dennis Schröder. Leading up to Thursday, reports had indicated Schröder – who is on an expiring contract – would be dealt at the deadline.

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