Jaylen Brown Holds Himself Accountable After Missed Free Throws in Celtics Loss
Jaylen Brown poured in 34 points against the Pistons on Monday night, but he didn’t walk off the court satisfied. In a game the Celtics dropped by just seven, Brown’s missed opportunities at the free throw line-seven in total-stood out to him more than the scoring column.
“I’ve got to do better to get my team over the hump,” Brown said postgame. “Especially in the fourth quarter, just some mindset plays… Too many missed free throws. Just mentality-wise, mindset-wise, I needed to be more for my team.”
That’s the kind of self-reflection you don’t always hear from a star after a 30-plus point night. But that’s also part of what makes Brown the competitor he is. He wasn’t looking to sugarcoat it-he knows the margin for error is thin, especially when you’re trying to contend for a title.
Still, not everyone in the locker room saw it the same way. Derrick White, Brown’s backcourt mate, pushed back on the idea that Brown should shoulder the blame.
“He’s being too hard on himself,” White said. “That’s part of what makes him special.”
White’s point is a fair one-Brown’s ability to take ownership, even in games where he’s clearly carried the offensive load, speaks volumes about his leadership. The Celtics appreciate that mindset.
It’s not about blame; it’s about the standard Brown holds himself to. That kind of accountability doesn’t go unnoticed in a locker room with championship aspirations.
Michael Porter Jr. Quietly Building an All-Star Case in Brooklyn
Michael Porter Jr. may not be playing under the brightest lights right now, but he’s making the most of the stage he’s on.
The numbers speak for themselves: 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game-career bests across the board. He’s been a consistent force for a Nets team that’s still finding its identity, and when he gets rolling, the results follow. Brooklyn is 6-3 in games where Porter drops 30 or more.
“Just look at what we look like when he’s on the court versus when he’s not,” said center Nic Claxton. “He does so much.”
Claxton’s not wrong. Porter’s impact goes beyond the box score. His ability to stretch the floor, create his own shot, and rebound at a high level gives Brooklyn a dynamic threat on the wing-something every team covets.
The All-Star conversation is starting to heat up, and while playing on a rebuilding squad might keep Porter out of the national spotlight, his production is making it hard to ignore him. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s anchoring a team that’s trying to build something sustainable. And if he keeps this up, it’ll be tough to leave his name out of the midseason honors.
Norman Powell Plays Through Pain, Keeps Chasing All-Star Dream
Norman Powell showed up on the Heat’s injury report with calf discomfort-and then went out and played anyway. That’s just who he is.
“I push my body to the limit,” Powell said. “That’s always been part of my approach.”
And it shows. Powell is averaging 24.4 points per game and continues to be a steady offensive weapon, even as he deals with nagging injuries.
With free agency looming this summer-unless he inks an extension-Powell is playing with something to prove. But he’s not just chasing a contract.
He’s still chasing a dream: his first All-Star selection.
“It’s always been a goal of mine,” Powell said. “But a lot of that stuff is out of my control. My job is to go out there and play the best brand of basketball I can.”
That mindset has defined Powell throughout his career. He’s never been the flashiest name in the league, but he’s built a reputation as a tough, reliable scorer who shows up night after night.
Whether or not the All-Star nod comes this season, Powell’s game is speaking loud enough. And in a league where availability and consistency matter just as much as highlight reels, that’s worth plenty.