Jaylen Brown and Co. have lost back-to-back games against their Western Conference matchups, the OKC Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. While Brown was ejected in the Spurs game in the third quarter, he scored 34 points against the Thunder but lost, 102-104. In the post-game interview, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP called out the foul-baiting techniques, but fans saw through his statement and pointed out the hypocrisy.
After the loss to the Thunder, Brown was questioned about his ejection in the previous game, and he made it clear that he did not deserve to be ejected. After engaging in a verbal spat with the officials in the game against the Spurs, the 2024 NBA champion was given two technicals and was thrown out of the game.
The loss to the Thunder was tough as the Celtics battled all the way to the end. He claimed that he did not try to flop fouls during the game, but some players were doing so, especially in the fourth quarter, which gave them the advantage. He said:
“We commend players for playing the game the right way but we give the benefit to those who try to manipulate the game into their advantage. I just don’t think it’s basketball. Like let’s just play basketball. All the foul baiting, I think it’s whatever for me.”
However, fans in the comments section pointed out the dual nature of the Celtics guard and blamed him for using similar tactics in the past. One wrote:
“He corny. Nigga was doing the exact same shit he has a problem with. Nigga is corny.”
Another user called out Brown for foul-baiting himself and the no-show in the fourth quarter against the Thunder. He scored 11 points in that period, including seven free throws. The user wrote:
“This mf foul baited more then anyone in that game, shot 14 free throws and was absolutely ass in the 4 had 11 points 7 from free throws”
Interestingly, the 5-time NBA All-Star took 14 free throws in the game, three fewer than the Thunder. The debate around guards playing through foul-baiting, especially non-American players, has intensified with time. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, who attempted eight FTs against the Celtics, is second on the list this season.
Jaylen Brown also part of debate around foul-baiting in the NBA
Even though Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is placed second in the list of most free throw attempts this season, Jaylen Brown is also not far behind, in sixth. Several fans and analysts have called out the style of play, heavily dependent on fouls, and argued that it takes the essence of the game away.
Basketball is a physical sport, but the intensity has surely come down in recent years. Referees are more strict with whistles due to the increase in long-range shooting. The debate around the idea will prevail among fans as the 2025-26 regular season approaches its last phase.
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