Brown Returns from Back Spasms, Drops 27 Points in Celtics Win

Jaylen Brown returned to action for the Boston Celtics on Thursday after a one-game absence due to lower-back spasms, finishing with 27 points (9-24 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 7-7 FT) and seven rebounds over 30 minutes in the 119-114 win over Miami. While not the most efficient from the field, he and Anfernee Simons (39 points) carried the Celtics' scoring load, snapping a two-game losing skid. Brown has scored at least 25 points in six of his last seven outings since Jan. 1, averaging 29.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.9 threes over that span.