The Boston Celtics have been one of the more intriguing stories of the 2025-26 NBA season-not because they came in as title favorites, but because they've been defying expectations without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum. After Tatum tore his Achilles in last year’s playoffs, it was fair to wonder how the Celtics would hold up. But Jaylen Brown has stepped into the spotlight and made it clear: this is his team now.
Since December, Boston has quietly pieced together one of the better records in the league, sitting at 29-18. That’s not just respectable-it’s impressive, considering the circumstances. Brown has been the driving force behind that run, playing the best basketball of his career and carrying the offensive load with a mix of power, poise, and playmaking.
But Wednesday night at TD Garden was a reminder that even the hottest teams hit a wall. The Celtics fell to the Atlanta Hawks, 117-106, in a game where the final score doesn’t quite capture how lopsided things felt early on.
“We just didn’t have it tonight,” Brown said postgame, keeping it blunt and honest.
Boston’s defense simply didn’t show up in the first quarter, and Atlanta made them pay. The Hawks dropped 38 points in the opening frame, building a 20-point lead that Boston never truly recovered from. The Celtics were chasing the game from the jump, and when a team shoots 43% from three-like Atlanta did, going 18-of-42-it’s tough to claw back.
Jaylen Brown on his collision with Onyeka Okongwu:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) January 29, 2026
“I know from my own experiences with a fractured face and chipped teeth that shit is a hassle. So, wasn't intentional. I know it’s gonna be a long day at the dentist. Hopefully he has a good recovery.” pic.twitter.com/SVss0gt6sd
The Celtics didn’t get much help from their ball movement, either. They finished with just 21 assists on 42 made field goals, a sign that the offense wasn’t flowing the way it has during their recent surge. Add in 16 turnovers, and it was a recipe for frustration.
Still, there were a few positives to pull from the night. Boston dominated the glass, out-rebounding Atlanta 51-38, and they were solid at the free throw line, hitting 81% of their attempts. But those silver linings couldn’t offset the defensive lapses and offensive stagnation.
One moment that stood out came when Brown collided with Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu. It was a hard hit, and Brown, who’s no stranger to facial injuries himself, showed empathy afterward.
“I know from my own experiences with a fractured face and chipped teeth that [stuff] is a hassle,” Brown said. “So, wasn’t intentional.
I know it’s gonna be a long day at the dentist. Hopefully, he has a good recovery.”
Brown, as he’s done all season, led the way statistically. He finished with 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting, adding seven rebounds, three assists, and a block. On a night when the Celtics struggled to find rhythm, Brown remained steady-continuing what’s been a breakout campaign.
He’s averaging 29.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season, numbers that underscore just how much he’s elevated his game in Tatum’s absence. This isn’t just a hot streak-it’s a full-blown leap.
The Celtics have shown they can compete without their superstar. But if they want to keep pace in the East, they’ll need more consistency on the defensive end and sharper execution offensively. Nights like this one against Atlanta serve as a reminder: in the NBA, talent helps, but effort and cohesion are what separate the good teams from the great ones.
For now, Boston remains firmly in the playoff mix, and with Brown leading the way, they’ve got a fighting chance to make some noise.