The Boston Celtics bested the Minnesota Timberwolves early Sunday. It was a team effort but Jaylen Brown gets a special shoutout from his coach for setting the tone with his early 3-point barrage.

Brown’s role from Sunday was a bit different compared to the recent games they’ve had as coach Joe Mazzulla had to sit him out in some parts of the opening frame.

The 2024 Finals MVP is taking his coach’s decision in stride and he said that he is all about figuring things out for the whole team as they journey on to the postseason as they defend their title.

It’s been different. Usually I’m the guy that is setting the tone. Getting the team off to a good start in the first quarter. This year, Joe wanted to switch it up. Whatever the team needs. I’m not trippin’. I just adjust. It’s a long season. I want everybody to feel good. I want everybody to feel confident. Coz what matters most is when we figure it out getting into the playoffs.

The adjustment is working for him as he scored 15 of his 29 points in the first quarter with his five threes in the opening salvo.

He had a lift too from usual suspects such as Jayson Tatum who had 20 points while Derrick White contributed 19 and nine rebounds.

Joe Mazzulla praises Jaylen Brown’s defense

Brown may have scored just 14 points in the next three quarters but it is because his role expanded from setting the tone to becoming an on-ball defender.

Mazzulla thought his star made a good account of himself on the defense department and sees it as a luxury that his best players are very committed to their defensive scheme.

“Yeah, it’s great to have a player of his caliber take defense to another level and take matchups,” Mazzulla told reporters.

“When your best players are some of your best defenders, it can kind of set the tone for your team in the locker room defensively. So, he takes pride in individual matchups, and he did a great job defensively.”

Stats may not show it but Brown, who also had one steal and one block in the game, helped tranquilize the Wolves who battled back from 15 points down by guarding their wings.