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Nearly a decade into his career, Jaylen Brown is finally the alpha for Celtics
When the Boston Celtics selected Jaylen Brown third overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, they were confident that he'd blossom into a franchise cornerstone.
A former Cal standout, Brown had all the athleticism, intangibles and skill needed to become a superstar.
Despite the 6-foot-7 forward living up to his No. 3 overall selection — even earning an NBA Finals MVP Award in the process — Brown has never been the alpha of the offense during his nine-year tenure in Boston. That is, until Wednesday, when he lifted Boston over the New York Knicks without the assistance of his All-NBA teammate Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined with a ruptured Achilles.
Facing elimination, Brown, 28, responded well to the pressure of keeping the Celtics' title defense alive. As the first option, the four-time All-Star had 26 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds to help force a Game 6 on Friday at Madison Square Garden.
"I know it's easy to write us off," Brown said postgame. "Obviously what happened to [Tatum] is unfortunate, but we still have basketball to play. I believe in this group. Don't count us out just yet."
Before Game 2 against the Orlando Magic, Brown and Tatum played in 114 consecutive playoff games together — with Brown often serving as Boston's beta.
While addressing the team as the undisputed top option, a rarity in his Boston tenure, Brown emphasized defense during his pregame message.
"That's all I talked about was defense," Brown told reporters. "Nothing easy. Guard your yard. Find a way to get stops. It's mano a mano. Win your matchups and play defense."
Brown, alongside veteran center Al Horford, also preached resiliency, motivating Boston to play freely and confidently in the face of elimination.
"We didn't want to make any excuses or turn the season in like many would expect," said the 2023-24 Finals MVP. "We just said to each other, 'Let's keep an open mind.' Let's just come out and play basketball and be ready to go."
Despite being in a new role as the first option, Brown had a seamless adjustment and thrived as both a scorer and facilitator for Boston.
His 12 assists on Wednesday set a new career high. He also scored seven fourth-quarter points, proving capable of closing games in Tatum's absence. Though the well-rounded Celtics don't need him to be Superman, Brown is tasked with fueling the offense, and he fulfilled his role against New York.
After logging 26 points in Game 5, the Boston star has now scored 25+ points in 35 career playoff games. It was his first playoff game with 25+ points and 10+ assists.
Despite thriving in his new role, Brown noted that he hasn't reinvented the wheel and is staying true to his game.
"I'm just being myself," the Celtics All-Star said. "Getting it done in multiple ways. I've always preached [a team-first mentality]. I've always done whatever is needed to push this team forward.
"I'm excited to facilitate or play whatever role. It can change any night. The goal is to just lead. And just be myself."
With their season hanging in the balance, the Celtics will turn to Brown for leadership once more Friday.
More must-reads:
- Jayson Tatum provides defiant message to NBA legend after Achilles surgery
- Kobe Bryant's recovery can serve as inspiration for Jayson Tatum
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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