Using their postseason momentum, the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-102 in Game 4. However, they faced an unheard-of and funny set of obstacles on their path to victory. One such incident was really strange; Jaylen Brown was taking a crucial shot when an official ran into him, almost changing the result of the game. And he was less than thrilled, as one might anticipate.
Brown’s game-winning three-pointer from the wing late in the fourth quarter was the center of attention. The 27-year-old was inadvertently blocked by a game official just prior to collecting the pass from Jayson Tatum. The Celtics player eventually had to clear the referee out of his way in order to catch and shoot the ball.
After the game was over, Brown went into great length about the circumstances, saying,
“I don’t think he [the game official] was paying attention but he was in the play…I had to push him out of the way, and then catch the ball…So, that was I was telling him to get his a** out the way”.
Jaylen Brown clarifies his interaction with a ref, and Jayson Tatum during one of the final plays of the game pic.twitter.com/iG8RbUNVon
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 14, 2024
They were just getting started with their comedy of mishaps. Brown’s three-pointer with just over a minute remaining gave the Celtics an eight-point advantage and decided the game. Tatum was ecstatic about this and proceeded to give his partner a touch too hard of a chest punch. Brown was upset by this joyous gesture and exclaimed, “Damn!” right away.
Tatum hit Jaylen Brown too hard 😭 pic.twitter.com/2TpmPq0euh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 14, 2024
He clarified the circumstances in the post-game press conference, humorously stating,
“I’mma get Jayson back for that too. I wasn’t paying no attention and he just comes outta nowhere with a left hook straight to the chest. I’mma get him back for that”.
Even with Brown’s mocking tone, Tatum took the situation seriously. He explained his action as a show of solidarity for his teammate during the post-game press conference, saying,
“We’re there for each other. Even the most mentally strong person could use some encouragement sometimes”.
"We're there for each other. Even the most mentally strong person could use some encouragement sometime."
Jayson Tatum talks support from Jaylen Brown, and hitting him a little too hard after JB drained a 3 at the end of the game ☘️ 😆 pic.twitter.com/FftZnoySRy
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 14, 2024
The Boston Celtics were awarded what was just. They now lead the series 3-1 as a result of this victory. It gives them a fantastic opportunity to finish things off at home in Game 5. They may make their third appearance in the ECF as a result of this. They will play one of the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks this time around. In any case, they will start this matchup as the favorites to advance to the NBA Finals in 2024.
