In a daring move, Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors opted to leave Jaylen Brown unguarded on the perimeter during Sunday’s game, a strategy that ultimately backfired as Brown led the Boston Celtics to a commanding 140-88 triumph. Despite the Warriors’ unconventional approach, Brown seized the opportunity, contributing a game-high 29 points, including a remarkable 5 of 10 from beyond the arc, all within just 22 minutes of play.
The strategy, which was a last-minute decision according to Green, aimed to restrict driving lanes but instead allowed Brown to ignite a significant 14-0 run for the Celtics, transforming a tied game into a substantial lead. Green’s attempts to challenge Brown’s shots proved futile as Boston extended their advantage, culminating in a staggering 82-38 lead by halftime.
Both Green and head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the gamble postgame, with Kerr explaining the rationale behind prioritizing interior defense over perimeter coverage. However, the Celtics’ ability to capitalize on transition opportunities, amassing 42 transition points, underscored the defensive shortcomings of the Warriors’ plan.
Brown perceived the strategy as a slight, viewing it as an underestimation of his shooting capabilities. Despite acknowledging the strategic intent behind the Warriors’ decision, Brown interpreted the move as a sign of disrespect. An All-Star with a career 36.3% shooting from three-point range, Brown demonstrated his proficiency by punishing the Warriors’ gamble, underlining his capability as a scorer and contributing to one of the season’s most decisive games.