The Boston Celtics extended their win streak to 14 games last night with a win against the defending champion Golden State Warriors at the TD Garden. Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown helped Boston overcome two double-digit deficits and led the team in scoring with 22 points, just hours after learning that his best friend had suddenly passed away.
According to ESPN, Brown even told Celtics head coach Brad Stevens he didn't think he'd be able to play so soon after the death of childhood friend, Trevin Steede. Brown ultimately decided to play after receiving a phone call from Steede's mother, who encouraged him to play in his friend's memory.
Brown opened up about Steede's passing after the Celtics' 92-88 win (H/T ESPN).
"My best friend passed last night. It was tough to kind of accept it," Brown said. "Everybody was kind of in shock. But I knew coming into today that he would have wanted me to play. It was hard getting my thoughts together, but after talking to his mom and his family, they inspired me to come out and play.
"I wasn't in any shape to come out. I didn't want to leave my room. But they inspired me to come out and play. And I came out and played in his spirit today. My teammates held me up and we pulled it out."
"Ky gave me the game ball and said, 'This one was for Trevin,' " Brown said. "That meant a lot to me."
The Boston Celtics trailed by as many as 17 points last night, and it was Brown who gave the team a much needed spark, energized the TD Garden crowd, and paved the way for the C's 14th straight win.
Brown is expected to travel to Atlanta this morning to be with family and friends. The Celtics, an NBA-best 14-2, will take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Saturday night.
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