On January 27, 2025, the Boston Celtics were sitting comfortably in the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference with a 32-15 record. Fast forward exactly one year, and they’re in the same position-No. 2 in the East-but with a slightly different 29-17 record.
On the surface, it looks like more of the same. But if you zoom in, the context tells a much more impressive story.
Boston is holding steady near the top of the East without their All-NBA First Team cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, and without four rotation staples-Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet-who’ve all moved on via trades or free agency. That kind of roster shake-up typically sends teams into a tailspin.
Not Boston. And a big reason why?
Jaylen Brown.
Holiday, now in Portland, made it clear after his return to TD Garden: Brown’s mindset has been the engine behind Boston’s resilience.
“Knowing Jaylen, I feel like he takes a lot of things personally,” Holiday said. “He doesn’t accept a lot, especially when it comes to being bad.”
That chip on Brown’s shoulder? It’s showing up in the box score-and in the win column.
He’s averaging career highs across the board: 29.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. And for the first time in his career, he’ll be starting in the All-Star Game.
With Tatum out, Brown has taken on a heavier offensive load, leading the league with 22.5 shot attempts per game. But this isn’t just about volume. This is about a player who’s been waiting for the keys to the car-and now that he’s got them, he’s driving like a man on a mission.
After Boston’s recent win over the Blazers, Brown opened up about what this stretch has meant to him.
“I felt like I’ve sacrificed over the years in order for us to be a championship-caliber team,” he said. “And I think now, we’re getting to see that a little bit: what exactly I was capable of, and what I was sacrificing.”
That sacrifice isn’t just lip service. Brown’s been vocal in the past about putting team success ahead of personal accolades. But now, with the spotlight squarely on him, he’s proving he can be both unselfish and dominant.
“I think, before, maybe it wasn’t so obvious,” he added. “I think now, being able to be at the helm of things, and us being the second seed in the East, versus last year (when) we finished second seed in the East. It’s almost been no drop-off with four players, five players (who) are essentially gone.
“The work from the coaching staff, the work from our leadership has been great. And I just try to make myself available every single night.”
That availability has been critical. Brown’s been the constant in a season of change, and while young players like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez have stepped up admirably, this is still Brown’s show right now.
Of course, when Tatum returns, the dynamic could shift again. There may be an adjustment period-there usually is when a star reintegrates into a lineup, especially one that’s found a rhythm in his absence. And with new faces like Gonzalez, Luka Garza, and Anfernee Simons in the mix, there’s bound to be a learning curve.
But let’s not forget: Brown and Tatum already have a proven track record. They’ve co-led the Celtics to deep playoff runs, and most importantly, to a championship in 2024.
Brown was the Finals MVP. That kind of shared success doesn’t vanish overnight.
So while the narrative around who’s the “alpha” might pick up steam in some circles, the Celtics’ focus remains on winning. And if Brown’s current form is any indication, Boston’s in good hands-now and when Tatum returns.
For a team that’s dealt with significant turnover and a missing superstar, staying near the top of the East is no small feat. Jaylen Brown isn’t just keeping the Celtics afloat-he’s reminding everyone why this team is built to contend, no matter who’s in the lineup.