Brown laments 'one-sided' officiating as Celtics go down to Magic

Jaylen Brown hit out at what he saw as "one-sided" officiating after the Boston Celtics were beaten by the Orlando Magic on Monday.

The reigning NBA champions slipped to 22-7 for the season following a 108-104 defeat at Kia Center, where Brown had a game-high 35 points.

He also added nine rebounds and four assists, but Orlando improved to 19-12 despite being without four of their five leading scorers in Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner and Gary Harris.

The Magic's fearsome defence got them over the line, but Brown felt the way the game was called played into their hands.

"It was definitely a physical game," Brown told reporters. "Credit to Orlando; we should have met the physicality a little bit better. I think it's a good preparation game.

"Things weren't going our way. We felt like the officials were one-sided. So, I think it was good for us.

"I think we need to see that more, get used to that more, get more comfortable with that level of environment. We'll watch it and we'll be better."

Tough finish in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/11HIksgtxs

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 24, 2024

Shouldering the offensive load in the absence of the injured Jayson Tatum, Brown felt he was unfortunate not to have more fouls called as he tussled with Wendell Carter Jr.

"It's been like that," Brown said. "For whatever reason they've kind of cut my whistle off where I'm not getting to the foul line.

"I'm not going to complain. It is what it is. I just have to adjust. Maybe right there I'll just be more physical.

"But then again, they'll call you for an offensive foul, so you're just trying to figure it out.

"Used a lot of floaters today trying to adjust. But, I definitely thought he impeded my progress a few times and they got away with it in the fourth quarter."