Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown is the new king of the Eastern Conference Finals

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 5/24/24

LeBron James had a stranglehold over the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) through the first 15 years of his NBA career, making the late playoff round an incredible 10 times during that timeframe.

Jaylen Brown is now being crowned the new king of the ECF. The Celtics star has made the ECF in six of his eight seasons in the league, and it could just as easily have been seven if he had not suffered an injury in 2021.

In 34 ECF games thus far, Brown is averaging 20.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting an impressive 48% from the field.

Furthermore, his tied playoff career-highs — 40 against the Heat in 2023 and 40 against the Pacers in Thursday's Game 2 — have both come in an ECF game.

As a result, Brown now has more 40-point games in the ECF than any other Celtic in history. Only Michael Jordan and James have more such outings.

The first Celtic with multiple 40-point games in the Conference Finals. https://t.co/4I9ij1YQs8
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2024

Jaylen Brown tonight:

40 PTS
5 REB
+18

Only MJ and LeBron have more 40-point games in the Eastern Conference Finals. pic.twitter.com/jTVPd8yLFl
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2024

Here's another interesting stat: only two players have more ECF points than Brown in the 21st century.

Only Dwyane Wade and LeBron James have more Eastern Conference Finals points than Jaylen Brown this century. pic.twitter.com/lR0VtsNo4E
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2024

Despite logging such numbers, Brown hasn't always been given his just due within the NBA universe. It's why many felt the Celtics star was snubbed for an All-NBA nod this year.

After his 40-piece on Thursday, Brown was asked if he feels underrated in the league.

"I watch guys get praised and anointed who I feel are half as talented as me on either side of the ball," Brown told reporters, via Noa Dalzell. "But at this point in my life, I just embrace it. It comes with being who I am and what I stand for, and I ain’t changing that."

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