Celtics start second-round series, continue to combat racism

BOSTON — The Celtics return to the hardwood on Sunday, starting their second-round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. This is Boston’s first game since NBA players walked off the court in protest of police brutality.

The Celtics are determined to not let the conversation about racism and police brutality end. Coach Brad Stevens said the Celtics have a “plan of action” to make sure that does not happen and that change comes quickly. It comes after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

After practice on Saturday, Stevens said part of the team’s plan to combat racism is allocating their time, resources and energy in different areas, such as voting, education and criminal justice.

The most outspoken Celtic, and in all of the NBA, has been Jaylen Brown. On Saturday, Brown was asked how much faith he had that NBA owners and others would follow up on their pledges to support social justice. Unfortunately, he said he’s not too convinced.

“Everybody keeps saying that change is going to take this and change is going to take that and that is the incrementalism idea that keeps stringing you along to make you feel like something is going to happen, something is going to happen,” Brown said.

“Ain’t nothing happening. I am not as confident as I would like to be. I keep hearing these words being said but...”

Tip off for Game 1 against the Raptors is 1 p.m. Sunday.

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