The Boston Celtics made their way to Philadelphia to take on the Sixers for Game 3. Jayson Tatum and co. came prepared to spoil Joel Embiid‘s MVP night. After splitting the games in Boston, one of the teams can take a 2-1 lead tonight. While the fans watch the game, they wonder about Jaylen Brown and his face mask. Why does he wear a face mask? What happened to him?
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The Boston Celtics want to repeat the success they had last season, and take it a step further. In order to do so, they need to make it back to the NBA Finals and then beat whatever team comes from the West. This is easier said than done. However, if the Cs have to do it, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are their best bet for the same.
Could Brown’s mask be affecting his game? Why does he wear a facial mask?
Why is Jaylen Brown wearing a mask?
Jaylen Brown suffered a facial injury back on February 8th, 2023. The Celtics were hosting the Sixers, when Brown had an open three in the corner in the 2nd quarter. Brown missed the shot, and ran to grab the offensive board, when he was met with Jayson Tatum’s elbow.
After the game, it was announced that Jaylen suffered a facial fracture, and would end up missing only four games. He was at risk of missing the All-Star Game, but Brown found a way to avoid doing so. It was to wear a face mask.
The face mask helps Brown protect his face while it heals from the facial fracture. While the cartilages take six weeks to grow back, it takes an additional six weeks for the structure to settle down.
Why did Brown bring back the mask since Game 5 against Hawks?
For the first time since his facial fracture, Jaylen Brown was seen going ‘mask off’ in Game 4 of the 1st round series against the Hawks. He went off for 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Many assumed ‘Masked Brown’ was a thing of the past now.
However, he brought it back for Game 5 and hasn’t taken off the mask since. Why? ‘Cause his mother told him to. Explaining the same, Brown shared how the cartilages have grown back, but their structure is still forming. Any injury to the face can have a big impact on how his face ends up looking like.
Hopefully, Brown can avoid any further facial injuries. He’s been having an incredible playoff run, even with the mask on. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the 2023 Playoffs.
