Don't judge Jaylen Brown by one game

 Jaylen Brown didn't look like he was worth the huge contract he signed this summer. But it was only one game. 

In the Celtics 108-104 win over the Knicks last night, Jaylen seemed off his game. He scored only 11 points on 4-of-11 from the field, and he missed all four of his 3-point attempts. But he had six rebounds, five assists, one steal, only two turnovers and a plus/minus of +8. 

That plus/minus was second to Kristaps Porzingis' team-high +13. And Brown's team-high five assists stand out for a guy not known as the heir to Bob Cousy as "assist-man-of-the-year". 

I have at times criticized Jaylen for his lack of assists and poor free throw shooting. But he was 3-of-4 from the charity stripe in the game, and he has improved his work at the line over the years.

Brown may be trying to change his game to the style Joe Mazzulla sees as the path to Banner 18, and it may take a few games for him to get acclimated. He is not an adept passer but still managed five assists. This was only one game. He may need a little patience from fans - unless what we saw versus the Knicks continues. The Celtics need more from Jaylen for Banner 18 to become a reality.