The Boston Celtics suffered a Game 2 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Celtics stars dejected. Jaylen Brown couldn’t step up and be the dependable second star Jayson Tatum need, and he had a humiliating lowlight when he attempted a left-handed crossover, prompting fans to criticize him on social media.
NBA fans blast Jaylen Brown for another embarrassing left-hand crossover: ‘300 million dollars’
Fans flooded in with comments over the failed dribble move, including jabs at Brown for getting the largest contract in NBA history last summer.
“300 million dollars lmao.”
“Never beating the allegations.”
“Crazy money for years of mid.”
“I don’t care what anyone says about Jaylen’s individual accomplishments; until this guy has a left hand, he’s not a superstar. “He’s just the regular-season Jimmy Butler.”
“He literally ‘handed’ the ball to Okoro.”
“I don’t understand how such a talented and athletic guy hasn’t been able to improve something that has been such a weakness for years.”
“I understand what you did there. “The crossover did indeed leave his hand.”
“You haven’t seen his games this year. He has completely improved this. Don’t base your judgment on a single play.”
Brown finished Game 2 with 19 points, frustrating Celtics supporters who saw their team lose 118-94 at home. While the Cavaliers have gained home court advantage with this victory, the Celtics will still be favored to win owing to the team’s ability.
Brown’s inability to dribble effectively with his left hand has been widely noted since the 2022 NBA Finals. The Heat took advantage of that vulnerability last year, and it appears Isaac Okoro did an excellent job of pushing him to his left this game.
The dim lighting is comical, but Brown has improved his left-handed dribbling this season. Unfortunately, such gains throughout the regular season are meaningless if they become your biggest vulnerability in the playoffs. Brown, like this play, had numerous awkward moments with his left hand during the season, despite improvements.
Jaylen Brown Could Become The Celtics’ X-Factor
If the Celtics want to continue winning, Jaylen Brown must produce more consistently. Game 1 is a perfect example, as Brown stepped up while Tatum was struggling and scored 32 points to help his team win. But when he has a terrible game, his position on the floor appears dire.
Brown is averaging 23.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in the 2024 playoffs, making him the Celtics’ top player thus far and outscoring teammate Jayson Tatum. His regular-season average of 23.0 points and 5.5 rebounds propelled the Celtics to a 65-win season, including a 37-4 home record. Regardless, they have already lost two home playoff games.
When he performs well, the team benefits, so finding more consistency should be a top objective. His two-way skill set is among the greatest in the NBA, but he has previously been frightened in big situations.
The left-handed comments are entertaining, but Brown can simply silence everyone if the Celtics win their 18th championship this season. Boston is still expected to defeat the Cavaliers in Round 2 and progress to play either a short-handed Knicks group or an inexperienced Pacers squad.
Their only true hurdle will be in the Finals, if players like Brown can play at their level and get that far.
