Celtics’ team meeting is led by Brown, and Horford helps keep the season alive – Basketball insider
The Boston Celtics were inspired by a team meeting led by Jaylen Brown and Al Horford before facing the elimination in Game 5.
Jayson Tatum also conveyed a message from encouragement when he followed up with the tendon rupture from the right.
Brown then supported himself with the best playoff game, ending with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists and steals. The entire Celtics surpassed the New York Knicks by a 68-43 advantage in the second half.
“They had a team meeting Tuesday,” said ESPN insider Brian Windhorst. SportsCenter. “Before they crossed the fifth game plan, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford talked to the team. They talked about how they needed to react. They talked about the importance of sending a message to Jason. Then on Wednesday, the team got a message from Tatum because he would recover from Acaris's surgery. He would recover with encouragement.
“You'll definitely see that the Celtics work emotionally at times. It doesn't have the best game start. But when talking to their players, they do think they can quickly rebound after getting that information from Tatum and listening to senior teammates.”
Game 6 was held on Friday at Madison Square Garden. New York is now leading 3-2.
Porzingis continues to fight disease
The health of Celtics Center Kristaps Porzingis remains a major issue in Game 6. He has been battling respiratory illness for three months and has been unable to help his teammates with his usual ability.
Porzingis started and played 12 minutes, ending with a point, a rebound and a block. In the second half, Porzingis did not play for a minute.
“I mean (Porzingis) can't breathe,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. “If it's necessary, he can do it. So (going to the bench) is just a decision between me and him.”
Luke Kornet fills the admirable in his absence, collecting 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 (!) blocks in 26 minutes. He is ideal for 5-5 on the court.
Role players have historically performed better at home, so it’s interesting whether Kornet can repeat the tricks on the way.
