The Boston Celtics are heading into the All-Star break with a 35-19 record-good for second in the Eastern Conference-and they’ve done it with a mix of resilience, depth, and a whole lot of team-first basketball. That’s no small feat considering the major offseason shakeups and the long-term absence of Jayson Tatum, who’s been sidelined since May with a torn Achilles.
After Boston’s win over the Bulls to close out the first half of the season, Jaylen Brown took to social media to share a side-by-side comparison of the Celtics’ current numbers with where they stood at last year’s All-Star break. It included the team’s record, playoff seed, offensive and defensive ratings, and net rating.
The takeaway? Almost identical.
Brown’s caption expressed pride in the team’s performance and optimism for the second half of the season. And honestly, he’s earned the right to say it.
With Tatum out, Brown has shouldered a heavier load on both ends of the floor, and the Celtics haven’t missed a beat. That kind of consistency speaks volumes-not just about Brown’s growth, but about the system Joe Mazzulla has built.
Still, the internet being the internet, some fans read between the lines and saw the post as a subtle jab at Tatum. There’s no direct indication Brown was trying to stir the pot, but that didn’t stop the speculation.
Some fans suggested he was hinting at being the more valuable player. Others took it as a flex about the team thriving without their All-NBA forward.
And of course, a few just appreciated the numbers for what they were: a testament to how well this Celtics team has adapted.
Let’s be clear-this isn’t about picking sides. It’s about recognizing that Boston has managed to stay among the league’s elite despite losing several key pieces from last year’s title run.
Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis were traded. Al Horford and Luke Kornet left in free agency.
And yet, here they are: top-three in offensive rating, defensive efficiency, and net rating. That’s not luck.
That’s culture, coaching, and players stepping up.
Jaylen Brown has been at the center of that. His scoring has been steady, his defense disruptive, and his leadership more vocal than ever.
Whether or not he was making a statement with that post, the numbers speak for themselves. This Celtics squad is still a problem for the rest of the league-and they’re doing it without their best player.
As for Tatum, there’s reason for optimism. He’s reportedly resumed controlled five-on-five scrimmages as part of his rehab, a promising sign for a possible return down the stretch. If he can get back to form in time for the playoffs, Boston could be even more dangerous than they’ve already shown.
For now, the Celtics head into the break with momentum, cohesion, and a clear sense of identity. And with Brown leading the charge, they’ve proven that even when the faces change, the standard in Boston doesn’t.