Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Sounds Off On Returning To Madison Square Garden

The Boston Celtics will return to Madison Square Garden on Friday for the first time since the New York Knicks eliminated them in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Celtics faced a tough playoff series against the Knicks last season and lost two games despite leading by 20 points. Their situation worsened in Game 4 when star forward Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles.

Noa Dalzell from Celtics on CLNS asked Jaylen Brown if he has any extra motivation being back at Madison Square Garden, where the Celtics’ season ended.

“Absolutely. Tonight should be a fun one,” Brown said on Friday.

Brown struggled with the disappointment of Boston’s playoff loss to the Knicks and felt as though he was mourning the defeat.

“Losing to the Knicks feels like death, but I was always taught that there’s life after death, so we’ll get ready for whatever’s next,” Brown said in May. “Whatever’s next in the journey, I’ll be ready for.”

The Celtics aren’t the same team that faced the Knicks last season, especially with Tatum out and the losses of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. However, some players from last season’s roster remain on the team and are seeking to avenge their playoff series loss.