Jaylen Brown received a warm welcome during his visit to Wheeler High School in Atlanta on March 15, 2024, just before the Boston Celtics faced the Atlanta Hawks. The former student had his jersey retired in a ceremony that included a heartfelt speech directed at the current students. Despite this emotional homecoming, Brown admitted he struggles with playing in front of his hometown crowd.
In the Celtics’ decisive victory over the Hawks, Brown scored an impressive 41 points at State Farm Arena. Although he received chants for the MVP during free throws, he acknowledged that distractions come with playing in familiar surroundings. “I do not get excited, no,” Brown stated. “In the past, I haven’t really liked playing at home. It’s a lot of distraction, being home, so many people.” Still, he noted, “as you get older… I’m starting to find my middle ground. So today was good.”
Celtics Overpower Hawks in Blowout Victory
The Celtics overwhelmed the Hawks with a final score of 132-106, a game that highlighted Boston’s dominance. They led by as many as 43 points, showcasing a season-high 52 points in the second quarter alone. Brown’s performance was particularly noteworthy; he amassed 29 points by halftime and sat out the entire fourth quarter as the Celtics secured the win.
Brown reflected on the physical demands of the game, explaining, “Just trying to breathe. Sometimes you get tired physically, and that’s what causes you to miss. It don’t really be the defense sometimes. You just have a hard time catching your breath.” His focus on breathing and aggression clearly paid off, as he played a pivotal role in the victory.
A Journey from High School to NBA Stardom
During his visit to Wheeler High School, Brown reminisced about his time there from 2011 to 2015, including winning a state championship in 2015 and later attending the University of California for a season. Since being drafted third overall by the Celtics in 2016, he has achieved considerable success, including making four All-Star teams and earning the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. This season marks a career-best for Brown in terms of performance.
He also shared a light-hearted memory from his high school years, recalling how he excelled in the PSAT but chose to attend a basketball camp instead of a math and science camp. “I remember stuffing them at the bottom of my book bag,” he joked, referring to the pamphlets for the camps.
Brown expressed gratitude for the jersey retirement ceremony, emphasizing its significance. “It was great,” he said. “I just wanted to get some words of wisdom. Some inspiration. Despite the circumstances, they can use their platform or they can continue to beat the odds.” He highlighted the challenges faced by students in public schools, noting, “A lot of… public schools — I feel like the system is betting on half of those kids not to succeed.” He aims to provide awareness and tools to help them navigate life.
As the Celtics continue their season, Brown’s dual role as a local hero and an NBA star serves as an inspiration for many. His ability to balance the pressures of playing at home with his professional ambitions underscores a remarkable journey that began on the courts of Atlanta.
