The Boston Celtics achieved NBA history with their championship title, and star player Jaylen Brown finally made a breakthrough, earning the Bill Russell Trophy as NBA Finals MVP. The overlooked center, like Russell before him, is a well-read and intelligent player who has been brutally undervalued until his moment in the spotlight.
Regular season statistics seemed meaningless; Brown averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, yet the Celtics secured the top regular season record. His stats didn’t impress voters for the All-NBA selection, either. However, in the playoffs, Brown rose to the occasion, recording 25 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. The Larry Bird Award for MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals was a well-deserved honor, but it paled in comparison to his performance in the NBA Finals.
There, he finished with 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5 assists, demonstrating his vital importance to the Celtics. Beyond the numbers, his playoff journey was marked by crucial plays, such as the key block against PJ Washington, along with Derrick White, in the second game. He also sank a go-ahead shot from inside the paint, and repeated that dominance in the third game with 30 points, including 24 in the second half, and a clutch mid-range jumper that left the Mavericks reeling.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Brown, stating, "He’s a boy with a winning mentality. He’s not afraid to face his weaknesses. It just gets better and better. He puts himself in vulnerable situations and knows how to survive."
Surprisingly, Brown has faced undervaluation throughout his career. In an interview, he revealed, "The awards surprise me because I never win s**t. I watch guys get praised and anointed, but I feel like they’re half as talented as me on both ends of the floor. But at this point in my life, I just accept it." Acceptance and improvement ultimately earned him the NBA Finals MVP honor.
Brown’s life has been one of perseverance and vindication. When he first arrived in the NBA, a teacher predicted that he would end up in prison within five years. Instead, he has become an NBA champion and MVP, cementing his place in Celtics history, where winning is more than just a team accomplishment.