Celtics' Brown: 'Basketball has been a great outlet' after friend's death

Hooping has helped lighten Jaylen Brown's heavy heart.

The Boston Celtics small forward has played in all five games since the death of his best friend, Trevin Steede, on Nov. 15.

"I'm doing the best I can. I think basketball has been a great outlet for me, my family, my friend's family," he said, via ESPN. "Just doing the best we can, each and every day."

Brown submitted one of the best performances of his career the day after losing Steede, putting up a team-high 22 points with seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in last Thursday's win over the Golden State Warriors. Afterward, he received the game ball from Kyrie Irving, who said: "This one was for Trevin."

The sophomore swingman went to Atlanta the next day to be with his friends and family before rejoining the Celtics and pouring in a career-best 27 points in Saturday's victory over the Hawks.

He may miss Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers if he can't get there in time following Steede's funeral in Marietta, Ga., earlier in the day.

Coach Brad Stevens told Brown he's allowed to miss the contest, and the 21-year-old wing praised the bench boss for his unwavering support.

"I think Brad has been really great in this process," the 2016 No. 3 pick said. "Not even just somebody to talk to, also just allowing you to deal with what's best, my family, and (Steede's) family, so everybody can deal with it. He's been great. We'll see how it goes, and hopefully I'll be able to make it."

Brown has been flourishing for the Celtics. He's now the second-leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals over 20 games.