Jaylen Brown’s Pippen ‘Impersonation’ Is Basically Celtics Plan B

Derrick White echoed the praise. “JB was unbelievable. He took it upon himself to lead. We just followed his energy.”

Brown didn’t just play hard—he led with purpose. After losing Tatum to a torn Achilles in Game 4, the team could’ve folded. But Brown refused to let the Celtics quit. “We didn’t want excuses,” he said. “We didn’t want to just give up.”

The Evolution Of Brown’s Game

Brown’s passing reached another level in Game 5. He almost had more assists in one game (12) than he did in the first four games combined (13). Even more impressive, he only committed two turnovers. He made quick, smart reads and slowed the game down when needed.

He consistently found open teammates, avoided forcing plays, and made the game easier for everyone. That control showed growth. Brown let the game come to him. And when it did, the Celtics reaped the benefits.

Brown also hit tough shots and stayed aggressive on offense. His shot-making looked effortless. And defensively, he turned Brunson’s night into a grind. The Celtics needed a new identity without Tatum. Brown gave them one.

Celtics Face A New Reality Without Tatum

Tatum’s Game 4 was a masterpiece—42 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and elite defense. He’s been the Celtics’ engine for years. His absence changes everything. Tatum always improved. He never complained. He embodied Celtic pride. But now, he’s out for the foreseeable future.

This is the first true crisis of the Brad Stevens era. When Danny Ainge ran the team, he dealt with playoff injuries too. Tatum, in his rookie year,helped the team reach game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals against LeBron James’ Cavaliers without Kyrie Irving. But now Stevens must figure out how to lead through one of the franchise’s toughest stretches.

Jaylen Brown’s Plan B In Full Effect

Boston’s playoff hopes now rest on Brown. Jaylen Brown is the logical choice as the team’s primary option — the centerpiece of Plan B. He is the reigning Eastern conference finals and NBA Finals MVP. The Celtics scored 127 on the Knicks without Tatum. Brown looked like the focal point of a playoff offense. And the Celtics still have the depth to support him in a weaker Eastern Conference.

The Bill Chisholm-led Ownership must decide if they want to invest heavily in a team led by Brown. They paid $6.1 billion for the Celtics. Competing without Tatum would require major financial commitment. But with Plan B, there’s still a path forward with Jaylen Brown.

The Celtics’ Financial Crossroads

Boston faces three choices. First, tank the 2025–26 season and try to land in a lottery spot. Get a top prospect. Add a key rotational piece on a team friendly deal. Second, go all-in on Brown, keep the core, and hope to stay competitive. Third, split the difference—shed salary by trading players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, or Sam Hauser. All of these plans revolve around the same central figure: Brown.

Echoes Of Scottie Pippen’s Moment

This moment mirrors a famous chapter in NBA history. When Michael Jordan left to play baseball in 1993, Scottie Pippen stepped up. Many doubted the Bulls could remain competitive. But Pippen led Chicago to 55 wins and pushed the Knicks to seven games in the second round.

He averaged 22 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists that season. He was an All-Star and finished third in MVP voting. Pippen proved he could lead. Brown faces a similar opportunity now.

Final Thoughts

The Celtics didn’t expect to lean on Brown this heavily. But circumstances forced their hand. Plan B offers the Celtics the opportunity to use Jaylen Brown in a Pippen-esque role.

Boston fans saw what Brown could do when asked to lead. He has answered the call with energy, poise, and grit. If the Celtics are going to stay relevant without Tatum, they’ll do it on Brown’s back.

And so far, he’s proving he’s ready.