Jaylen Brown Trolls Doubters as Celtics Win 50th Game and Clinch Spot in NBA Playoff Bracket

After the Boston Celtics officially clinched a playoff spot by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 114-99 on Sunday, star guard Jaylen Brown threw some shade at anyone who had low expectations for his team entering the season.

The Celtics improved to 50-24 for their fifth straight 50-win season after they were expected to falter amid star forward Jayson Tatum's recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. Brown, who didn't play in Sunday's game, took to social media to praise Boston's success in a so-called "gap year."

The Celtics still trail the Detroit Pistons (54-20) for first place in the Eastern Conference with eight games left in the regular season.

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Despite missing Brown for the second straight game due to left Achilles tendinitis, Boston didn't skip a beat. Tatum led the way against Charlotte with 32 points and eight assists in his best game since returning from his devastating injury earlier this month.

Celtics-Hornets Highlights

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The Celtics are now 9-2 with Tatum in the lineup. His return has many expecting Boston to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals this year.

"I've had to work my [tail] off just to run up and down the floor," Tatum said, per ESPN.

The Celtics will be seeking their fourth straight win when they meet the Atlanta Hawks (42-33) on Monday night.