Nets Bruce Brown Looking Forward to Facing Celtics

Bruce Brown doesnt get the headlines that his Brooklyn teammates do. When youre playing alongside Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving nobody is writing feature stories about the role players. But Brown might be exactly the kind of player the Nets need in the playoffs.

With the first round series against Boston approaching Brown was asked about facing the Celtics. His response showed the quiet confidence that has made him valuable to this team.

“Im looking forward to it,” Brown said. “Playoff basketball is why you play. And we got a squad.”

Thats an understatement. The Nets have assembled arguably the most talented offensive team in NBA history. Three of the most unstoppable scorers in the league on one roster. When all three are healthy and clicking nobody can stay with them.

But heres the thing about playoff basketball – defense matters more. Pace slows down. Half-court execution becomes critical. And you need guys who can guard multiple positions and make winning plays that dont show up in box scores.

Thats Brown. He can switch onto guards and forwards. He cuts hard to the basket. He makes the extra pass. He does the dirty work that championship teams require.

The Celtics present a real test. Jayson Tatum is ascending. Jaylen Brown (no relation) is a two-way force. Marcus Smart makes everything difficult. This isnt a pushover first round matchup even for a team as talented as Brooklyn.

But if the Nets stars perform at their level – and they usually do – its hard to see how Boston has enough firepower to keep up over seven games. The series starts Saturday and Brooklyn is favored heavily.

Bruce Brown will be ready. The question is whether anyone is ready for what the Nets can do at full strength.