It was a hostile environment inside of Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia Saturday when the Celtics bested the 76ers in a mid-season thriller.
But some fans went too far.
After the game, Jaylen Brown told reporters that some fans heckling him prior to tip-off said they hope he suffers a serious injury.
"I started talking to one of the fans because it got a little bit excessive, where it got a little disrespectful and stuff like that," he said. "Even before the game, we was entering the arena. It was people saying 'I hope you tear your ACL.' I understand people care and they love the team that they cheer for, but I think it gets a little excessive at times."
Brown, who's currently wearing a face mask due to a facial contusion, rightfully called out Sixers fans for going over the line. While boisterous crowds are part of the game, it crosses the line to wish injury on an opponent.
In the interest of fairness, Celtics fans are guilty of going overboard, too. Multiple opposing players have accused the Garden crowd of getting too personal over the years. During last season's NBA Finals, Celtics fans chanting expletives towards Draymond Green drew the ire of Warriors players.
Whenever Kyrie Irving touched the ball as a member of the Nets, shouts of "[expletive] you Kyrie!" often rang out from the rafters.
Of course, the best way to silence nasty crowds is to perform. That's what Brown did Saturday, scoring 26 points in Boston's thrilling 110-107 victory.
That's what matters most.
