Jaylen Brown Scoffs At Celtics Winning 50-Plus Games In 'Gap Year'

The Celtics also lost Luke Kornet and Al Horford to free agency. Boston has answered those doubts emphatically, reaching 50 wins for the fifth consecutive season and extending the NBA's longest active playoff streak to 12 years. Brown sat out Sunday's game with left Achilles tendinitis, but Tatum carried the offense with 32 points, his highest total in 11 games since returning from injury earlier this month. The Celtics have gone 9-2 since Tatum's return and have won seven of their past eight games, including a victory over the league-best Oklahoma City Thunder. Tatum's performance featured an array of precise footwork, decisive drives and patient playmaking against double-teams. He also became the youngest player in Celtics history to reach 14,000 career points. I didn't feel like I was sped up, Tatum said. I was still kind of tired, so that's something I'm still working through. But I like that I'm being decisive in my movements and exploding when I need to. I can say I feel better than I did last game. Tatum acknowledged the demanding nature of his rehabilitation process while expressing gratitude for his supporting cast. I've had to work my [tail] off just to run up and down the floor, he said. I've been fortunate enough to be on some really good teams, be surrounded by some really good players and coaches that have empowered me and helped me become the player I am today. With Brown leading what many consider an MVP-caliber season and Tatum trending upward, Boston has emerged as a legitimate championship contender heading into the postseason with the second best NBA championship betting odds behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Brown ranks fifth in MVP odds, setting himself up for an excellent shot at being an All-NBA First Team selection.