Jaylen Brown is headed into Sunday night’s All-Star Game with a new title next to his name: starter. It’s a well-earned nod for the Celtics star, who’s been playing the best basketball of his career. But if you’re expecting a big emotional reaction from him, think again.
“No, it doesn’t feel any different,” Brown said when asked about the milestone. “But I’m happy to be here. I’m very grateful.”
That’s classic Jaylen - focused, even-keeled, and all business. And honestly, it tracks. While the All-Star honor is a major recognition, Brown’s eyes have been locked on a bigger prize all season long: keeping the Celtics at the top of the East and pushing toward a deep playoff run.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon, Brown has stepped up in a massive way. Through 49 games, he’s averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per night - all career highs - while shooting a strong 48.3% from the field. He’s not just filling the void; he’s thriving in it.
That kind of production hasn’t just kept Boston afloat - it’s kept them elite. The Celtics remain one of the top teams in the conference, and Brown’s two-way dominance has been central to that.
He’s scoring at all three levels, defending at a high clip, and carrying the kind of workload typically reserved for MVP candidates. And yes, he’s firmly in that conversation now.
So, while the All-Star start is a big deal - and make no mistake, it is - Brown’s reaction is in line with his approach all season: head down, keep grinding.
This year’s All-Star Game is also shaking things up with a new format. Instead of the traditional East vs.
West or the recent team captain drafts, the league is rolling out a round-robin tournament featuring two American squads and a World team. Whether that leads to a more competitive game remains to be seen, but Brown seems open to the experiment.
Once the All-Star festivities wrap up, Brown will quickly shift gears. The Celtics are set to return to action Thursday against the Golden State Warriors - a matchup that always draws attention, especially with both teams eyeing postseason pushes.
For now, though, Brown will enjoy the moment - even if he’s not making a big deal out of it. Because while the All-Star Game is a celebration of individual excellence, Brown’s play this season has been about something bigger: leading a contender, stepping into the spotlight, and doing it all without missing a beat.