Celtics star Jaylen Brown posts Instagram story featuring Kendrick Lamar

Facing a daunting 0-2 deficit against the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown turned to Instagram on Thursday.

Posting a story to the tune of Kendrick Lamar’s “FEAR.”, with the quote, “Both faith and fear demands you to believe in something you cannot see. You choose,” Brown signaled his resolve to overcome doubt and lead the Celtics to a series comeback.

Brown’s been known to post inspirational tidbits to social media in the past, but this time around, it feels like fighting words alone won’t topple a Knicks team playing with desperation.

To shift the energy against New York, the Celtics must improve their shot selection, defensive intensity, and bench production in Game 3. 

Brown had a big first half in Game 2, but he faltered mightily during the third quarter and ended the game with six turnovers, most of which led to great opportunities for the Knicks.

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The 2024 NBA Finals MVP Brown is averaging 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in the series thus far, but his shooting percentages are bad: 34.9 percent from the field and 17.6 percent from three.

Not only does Brown need to play with more efficiency on offense; he needs to rev up his defense. There was a time when Brown was one of the fiercest wing defenders in the world of basketball, but his effort on that end has become all too rare as the years have passed.

Among other things, the Celtics need vintage Jaylen Brown defense during the rest of this series.

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