After struggling in the early part of the season, the third-year player has adapted to his role coming off the bench.
BOSTON – He put together a strong sophomore season to help the Celtics get within one win of the NBA Finals.
Jaylen Brown went from playing 17 minutes per game as a rookie to being a key contributor who averaged nearly 31 minutes last season
He scored 14.5 points per game during the regular season, making 47 percent of his shots and 40 percent from 3-point range, then got better in the playoffs, averaging 18 points on 47 percent shooting.
But Brown struggled at the start of this, his third season, and wound up losing his spot in the starting lineup after 19 games.
Brown seemed uncertain how to fit into the Celtics offense with the return of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward from injuries and he didn’t reach the 20-point mark until his 20th game of the season.
He was replaced as a starter by Marcus Smart, and two months later, Brown seems to have adapted to his role with the second unit.
Brown’s offense has improved in recent weeks, and he has scored more than 20 points in five of the past 13 games.
After going 10 for 47 on 3-pointers (21 percent) in November, Brown is 16 for 37 from long range this month, and he is averaging 12.3 points for the season.
“I’m just trying to play basketball, that’s it,’’ said Brown after scoring 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting against the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night. “Just being aggressive, trying to get to the basket, get to the free-throw line.’’
Brown said that he was bothered by a hand injury earlier in the season, and that caused him to have trouble shooting the ball.
“My hand is feeling a little better,’’ said Brown. “I had some troubles early in the year with my right hand. I had to play with like a miniature glove. It’s been feeling better in the last couple of stretches and I’ve been shooting the ball better.’’
Brown and the Celtics will be back at practice Friday afternoon, preparing for Saturday night’s game against the two-time NBA champion Golden State Warriors at the TD Garden.
The Celtics are on a five-game winning streak and have put together 10 straight home wins since Dec. 23.
“We’ve got some awesome fans here in Boston that come out and give us energy every time we play here, so we try to give it back in return,’’ said Brown.
Asked whether the game against the Warriors might be a measuring stick, Brown said, “We know where we’re at. We’ve just got to continue to get better each and every day. Just continue to push ourselves, challenge ourselves, and Saturday night will be a great challenge.’’
Williams to Maine: Rookie Robert Williams was sent to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA G League to play against the Grand Rapids Drive on Thursday night.
With the return of Aron Baynes from a fractured hand, Williams has been on the inactive list recently. He played 14 minutes against the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Coach Brad Stevens said that the team would like Williams to spend several games with the Red Claws to get some steady playing time.