The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 104-92 on Saturday by putting on a defensive clinic. On that end of the court, Jaylen Brown was possibly their greatest difference-maker.

Zion Williamson helped New Orleans get off to an early lead by starting the game 4-for-4 from the floor. The Pelicans star was only 5-for-13 after that with Brown serving as his primary defense. From the opening tip of the second quarter onward, that enabled the C’s outscore New Orleans 76-55.

The three-time All-Star’s recent physical defense of Williamson was just one more instance of how he has made it his mission to protect the best player on the other team. Head coach Joe Mazzulla commended Brown for rising to the challenge after the game.

“I believe that this year’s difference is the pride he takes in guarding whoever he needs to guard, depending on the situation,” Mazzulla said of Brown. “Whether it’s guarding a player like Zion, who he needs to score high pickup points on, or rushing over a guard in a pick and roll and picking him up full court.

He’s taken delight in the fact that he can have a huge impact on the game in a variety of ways without scoring, and I believe his defensive ownership has been crucial for us.