The Boston Celtics walloped the Dallas Mavericks so badly in Game 1 of the NBA Finals that Dallas was likely forced to do some soul-searching. After initially reviewing the film and regrouping with his players, Jason Kidd seemingly took another tact — sowing division among the Celtics’ stars.
On Saturday, Kidd spoke during a press conference to discuss his latest impressions of the Celtics. He specifically highlighted Jaylen Brown — to most people, the clear No. 2 option on Boston’s roster — as the Celtics’ best player.
Why? Because he can score with the best of them and dominate on the defensive end. That … is also what Jayson Tatum can do, the Celtics’ actual best player, but usually at a higher and more consistent level.
I think you know where this is going:
Jason Kidd was asked what makes going up against Jaylen Brown so challenging:
“Well, Jaylen’s their best player.” pic.twitter.com/iIYbXgZw1m
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 8, 2024
Beyond any schematic adjustments and a bettor Mavericks effort in Sunday night’s Game 2, Kidd probably knows exactly what he’s doing praising Brown like this out loud. He’s likely hoping for one of two outcomes against a stacked Celtics team, both of which would be equally beneficial to the Mavericks:
- Brown hears these comments and takes matters unnecessarily into his own hands during Game 2, forcing the issue on the offensive end when he doesn’t have to.
- Tatum hears these comments and takes matters unnecessarily into his own hands during Game 2, forcing the issue on the offensive end when he doesn’t have to.
For what it’s worth, Tatum and Brown aren’t taking the bait, at least based on their public reaction.
"We understand people try to drive a wedge between us … This is not our first time at the rodeo."
-Jayson Tatum on Jason Kidd saying Jaylen Brown is Boston’s best player 👀
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/I5QBAWdaV0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 8, 2024
Jaylen Brown on Jason Kidd calling him the best player on the #Celtics
“I don’t have no reaction… it’s a team game… everyone has their own opinions.” pic.twitter.com/yNRUmwWhaT
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) June 8, 2024
These are just public comments. We’ll see whether anything changes for Tatum or Brown on Sunday night and through the rest of this Finals series. Whatever happens, it was worth a shot for Kidd.
