Jaylen Brown isn’t just holding down the fort in Boston-he’s turning heads and reshaping the narrative around his game. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Brown has stepped into the spotlight and delivered in a big way, proving he’s more than capable of being the go-to guy on a contending team.
Stephen A. Smith took a moment on First Take to highlight exactly that.
While the segment centered on Tatum’s uncertain return timeline, Smith pivoted to give Brown the credit he’s earned, calling out the critics who once doubted whether Brown could thrive as a lead option. The Celtics currently sit as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, and Brown’s play has been a major reason why.
Let’s break it down.
Through 44 games-all starts-Brown is averaging 29.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in just over 34 minutes per game. He’s hitting 48.3% of his shots from the field, knocking down 35.5% from deep, and converting nearly 78% of his free throws.
That scoring average? It puts him fourth in the league.
But it’s not just about the numbers-it's how he's getting them.
Brown’s January stretch, in particular, has been a showcase of his offensive versatility and leadership. Over 14 games this month, he’s averaged 29.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Those are elite numbers, but the performances behind them tell the real story.
Start with the 50-point eruption against the Clippers on January 3-an 18-of-26 shooting night that included six threes. That wasn’t just a hot hand; it was a statement.
Two weeks later, he dropped 41 on the Hawks, showing off his mid-range craft and downhill aggression. And then came January 23, when Brown nearly posted a triple-double-27 points, 10 boards, and 12 assists-in a double-overtime thriller against the Nets.
That’s the kind of stat line that screams “complete player.”
Even when the scoring dipped, Brown’s impact didn’t. On January 28, he finished with 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting in a loss to the Hawks, but added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. He’s finding ways to contribute even when the jumper isn’t falling, and that’s a sign of growth in his all-around game.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing, either. Brown’s been battling through some nagging injuries-left hamstring tightness and a right knee contusion have landed him on the injury report more than once.
Still, he’s missed only three games all season. That kind of availability, especially while carrying a heavier offensive load, speaks volumes about his toughness and commitment.
Bottom line: Jaylen Brown has stepped up in a big way this season. He’s not just filling in for Tatum-he’s leading. And if there were any lingering doubts about whether he could be the engine of a winning team, he’s silencing them one bucket at a time.