It’s heartening to witness Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla passionately defend Jaylen Brown against recent criticism regarding his assist numbers. Mazzulla addressed the critiques by emphasizing that the stat alone can be misleading and that they evaluate Brown’s performance based on potential assists, highlighting the importance of making the right reads and contributing to the team’s success.
Brown’s recent games, including four assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, challenge the perception of his playmaking abilities. Mazzulla pointed out that Brown’s role on the team isn’t primarily focused on playmaking, and success should be measured beyond mere assist numbers.
In the victory against the Cavaliers, Brown showcased his scoring prowess with 25 points, contributing significantly to the Celtics overcoming a 15-point deficit. The team’s impressive 18-5 record for the season further emphasizes their overall success.
Looking at the broader picture, Brown’s average of 6.7 potential assists demonstrates his involvement in creating scoring opportunities. While his official assist numbers may not be as high, it’s essential to recognize the strides he has made in playmaking, contributing to the team’s overall performance.
Mazzulla’s defense of Brown underscores the importance of considering a player’s overall impact and role within the team, rather than focusing solely on specific statistics. As the Celtics maintain their position as the best team in basketball, any criticism seems to be a matter of nitpicking rather than reflecting a genuine concern about their success.
Leave a Reply