Oshae Brissett the unsung hero in ‘revenge game’ vs. Pacers

Oshae Brissett the unsung hero in ‘revenge game’ vs. Pacers originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics looked sluggish on both ends of the floor to start Game 2 vs. the Indiana Pacers. Then, Oshae Brissett checked in.

Brissett replaced an injured Luke Kornet (left wrist) as the C’s went small-ball to start the second quarter of Thursday’s matchup. Down two points to begin the frame, they went on a 20-0 run and didn’t trail for the remainder of their 126-110 win. While Jaylen Brown (40 points, 17 in second quarter) will rightfully earn most of the credit for Boston’s turnaround, Brissett’s impact shouldn’t be understated.

The former Pacer’s energy was contagious. He grabbed two rebounds in his first two minutes and his solid defense helped to keep Indiana from making a shot for the first six minutes of the frame. His final numbers don’t jump off the page, but his contributions went well beyond the stat sheet.

“Just his presence, his energy, his athleticism,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said of Brissett. “He plays with such a high level of intensity and energy. It’s big for us.”

Brissett ended up with two points, three rebounds, and three steals. He was a +18 in 12 minutes, tying Brown for the highest mark in the game.

Prior to Thursday, Brissett only saw the court in the playoffs during garbage time and topped out at five minutes. He spoke on the mindset change that comes with playing in the postseason vs. the regular season.

“That’s very different,” he said. “The preparation, the focus, the attention to detail is definitely something that is heightened in these games. Practice, film, just talking amongst the guys, that’s definitely a couple of steps up, a couple notches up.

“And, you know, this would be my first time with a championship team. It’s amazing. I really feel like I’ve been locked in, real focused in on all little details and things that before I never really paid attention to, just because I didn’t have the experience. So I feel like I’m in a good position.”

Although Brissett’s performance may be glossed over by the box score watchers, it certainly wasn’t overlooked by…

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Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-05-24 04:39:46

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