Celtics Should Be Mindful Of Jalen Brunson’s Mindset For Game 5

Jayson Tatum’s heartbreaking injury clouded the short-term reality for the Celtics.

The New York Knicks went up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series over Boston after winning Game 4 at Madison Square Garden on Monday. The C’s highlighted their championship mentality and will rely on that to try to make a comeback. However, their series counterpart isn’t resting on its laurels.

“I was actually telling everyone to get off the court,” Jalen Brunson told reporters, per SNY. “There’s nothing to celebrate.”

That answer came after Brunson’s banter with his former college teammate Mikal Bridges. But it did offer a brief glimpse into his mindset with his team on the cusp of a big upset.

“I don’t know when. For the longest time, when something’s accomplished, I’m looking forward to the next,” Brunson said. “It’s just how I’ve been. Dating back to high school, college, championships, everything I’ve ever won, there’s nothing in my house, because I’m always looking forward to how can I be better. …”

That was a mindset Tatum brought to his leadership, and it will be lost after suffering a lower leg injury. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis said the right things after the Celtics’ Game 4 loss. However, they’ll need to show that to keep their season alive with a win in Game 5 at TD Garden on Wednesday.