Brown: Celtics have 'target on our back' after winning title

Jaylen Brown is ready to help the Boston Celtics defend their championship in 2024-25.

"Last year is over," Brown told Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. "We celebrated, we had a good time, it's been an awesome summer ... but it's over with, and now it's back to work.

"Now we've got the target on our back, everybody's trying to come after us, and I'm like, 'Come on.' So, it's back to work, and I'm looking forward to next season."

The Celtics claimed a league-record 18th title by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in June. Brown won Finals MVP honors, averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, five assists, and 1.6 steals over five contests.

Despite his stellar play, Brown was passed over for teammate Derrick White as Kawhi Leonard's injury replacement on Team USA for the Olympics. White and fellow Celtics Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday helped the Americans win gold in Paris.

The Celtics will open the upcoming campaign at home against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Oct. 22.