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Jaylen Brown is the seventh Boston Celtics player to record multiple 40-point playoff games. The three-time All-Star guard posted his second career 40-point playoff game in Thursday night’s 126-110 Game 2 win over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown still trails teammate Jayson Tatum on the franchise’s all-time list

NBA Hall of Famers John Havlicek and Larry Bird lead the Celtics’ all-time list with five each, followed by Sam Jones (four), Jayson Tatum (four), Paul Pierce (three), and Isaiah Thomas (two).

Brown, 27, in Game 2 matched his playoff career high of 40 points on 14-of-27 (51.9%) shooting from the field, 4-of-10 (40%) from 3-point range, and 8-of-11 (72.7%) at the free throw line.

This came shortly after the 6-foot-6 guard was snubbed of an All-NBA selection. In 70 games (all starts) of the regular season, he averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, a career-high 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 33.5 minutes per contest.

“I think he cares about it in a way that motivates him, and I think he doesn’t really care about it at all,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said after Brown’s dominating performance. “He understands that winning is the most important thing. He just cares about the right stuff.”

Last year’s All-NBA Second-Team selection qualified him for a five-year, $304 million supermax extension that made him the highest-paid player in the NBA. His deal exceeds three-time MVP Nikola Jokic’s $276 million extension with the Denver Nuggets.

Celtics seeking first NBA championship since 2008

However, Brown seems more focused on winning his first championship than anything else. “I wouldn’t say that,” he replied when asked if the snub motivated him. “We’re two games from the finals. I don’t got time to [care].”

Needless to say, he shouldn’t care. At 10-2, the Celtics have posted their second-best record through 12 postseason games in franchise history. Their best was 11-1 in 1986.

“I mean, he has it going,” Celtics guard Jrue Holiday said. “Y’all see what I see. Great player. Great leader. But wants to win. And takes thinks into his own hands. So, I’m glad to have him on my side. I ride with him. The way JB’s been playing, man, it’s outstanding.”

Indiana hosts Boston in Game 3 on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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James Foglio

James is a dedicated sportswriter. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.