Although Detroit made a season-high 20 3-pointers and didn’t give up despite trailing by double digits most of the night, Brown led the Celtics to a 130-120 win with one of his better performances overall and continued his rise as a playmaker and leader.

While Tatum’s personality is to shoot shots without many words and simply blow a kiss after picturesque three-pointers, Brown has no problem making verbal or even physical gestures, such as after a dunk against Isaiah Stewart late in the first quarter.

After throwing the ball downfield with both hands, Brown looked at Stewart, one of the toughest players in the league, and used the throat-slashing gesture while looking directly at the Detroit big man. The Celtics aren’t a team that generally likes to fool around or be overly demonstrative, but Brown does have his moments.

The purpose of the throat-slitting gesture was not just an attempt to embarrass Stewart. It was a message that the Celtics, despite their sophisticated 3-point style, will not allow themselves to be bullied. The NBA is missing the enforcers and tough guys of yesterday, and one of the greats was in press row calling the game for Detroit Radio: Rick Mahorn, who still cringes at the sight of the Celtics logo.

In the second quarter, Stewart tried to get revenge by shoving Brown as both were preparing for a rebound, causing the Celtics to stumble forward and into the third line. Brown was mature enough not to retaliate and instead let his game speak for itself.

Brown usually says that his gestures on the field are not planned, just spontaneous actions. The throat cut?

“I guess I just caught up with the moment,” he said. “Great game. I think the NBA and the (Players Association) are sensitive to gestures and things like that. I have to be aware of it.”

Asked if he expects to hear from the league on Thursday, he replied: “Oh yeah.”

But he’s probably fine with a fine as long as his message was sent. Stewart tried to answer with the jab, but Brown was focused on giving the Celtics a win. He scored a game-high 28 points with six rebounds, nine assists and three steals.

It would have been a sign of vulnerability if Stewart had allowed physicality or borderline play to unsettle him. Maybe in the past opposing teams could get into the Celtics’ heads, trash talk and use an elbow here or there to turn the game into a slugfest. But as Sugar Ray Leonard learned in his first fight with Roberto Duran, the best way to succeed is to stay true to your style.

“I feel like he’s always doing things like that,” Brown said of Stewart. “That’s how he plays the game. But my focus is on coming out and running our offense and getting our team in the right positions. I didn’t want to get distracted, but definitely there is some back and forth and we won’t tolerate that from anyone this year.”

It’s encouraging for Celtics fans to hear that from Brown. The Celtics may play a sophisticated style of basketball in which they drive the ball around the perimeter for the cleanest 3-point look and occasionally throw the ball to Kristaps Porzingis on post-ups, but they don’t want to be seen as soft or prone to physicality .

Opposing teams will try to get into the Celtics’ heads in a variety of ways. Playing straight-up basketball against them probably won’t work unless they’re prone to errors or straying from the 3-point line. Boston leads the NBA in 3-point makes and attempts.

Detroit’s season-high 20 3-pointers was still one fewer than the Celtics, who were 21 for 53, including five each from Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard.

The most impressive thing about Brown’s performance was that he was clearly looking for teammates who were shooters rather than focusing on shot attempts. His 21 shots were nine fewer than his season high, meaning he focused more on making the right play than shooting.

“I think it’s also a credit to my development,” he said. “I do more things. I’ve addressed a lot of my weaknesses in the past, so I’m obviously looking forward to being able to lead a team and an offense. You don’t see it that often because we have a lot of players who dominate the ball and are really good players. In these moments when you have to attack and play, I tried to involve my teammates tonight, especially in the second half. We got a lot of good looks.”

While Tatum had a well-deserved break, his teammates were equally successful in other forms and Brown was able to showcase his growth, leadership, fire and maturity.

Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.