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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics warms up before playing the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics did not just finish their West Coast trip with a win.
They finished it with authority.
Boston walked into Los Angeles facing one of the league’s hottest teams, closing a road swing that had already tested its depth and resolve. What followed was a statement performance, one that turned a competitive matchup into something far more decisive.
The timing made it impossible to ignore.
Less than 24 hours after being passed over for Eastern Conference Player of the Month, one Celtic delivered a response that required no explanation. No press tour. No extended commentary.
Just basketball.
Jaylen Brown Set the Tone and Took the Game
There was no easing into this one.
From the opening tip, Jaylen Brown dictated the terms. He attacked downhill, pulled up comfortably from midrange, and stepped confidently into threes. The Los Angeles Clippers tried crowding him early. But that did not slow him down.
Boston found its rhythm quickly, and by the time the fourth quarter arrived, the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Brown closed the night tying his career high of 50 points, anchoring a 146–115 Celtics win and turning the finale of Boston’s road trip into a performance that spoke louder than any reaction ever could.
After the game, Brown framed the night in simple terms.
“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the game,” Brown said, after matching his career-high while spending extended stretches guarding both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
“Tonight was one of those special nights, where I felt like every shot was going in.”
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JAYLEN BROWN TAKEOVER IN LA 🍿
50 POINTS on 18/26 shooting vs. the Clippers 🔥💥
Celtics’ Supporting Cast Followed His Lead
Brown’s explosion unlocked everything else.
Derrick White dropped 29, and was relentless as a secondary scorer, thriving in the space created by defensive attention and keeping the offense organized. Anfernee Simons delivered another confident showing off the bench, knocking down shots without disrupting flow. Jordan Walsh rebounded with purpose and brought physicality on both ends.
Boston’s offense never stalled.
The ball moved. The spacing stayed intact. The Celtics punished over-help and ran when opportunities presented themselves. Los Angeles had entered the night red-hot. By the fourth quarter, they were out of answers.
Jaylen Brown
Best 2 way player in the game
Why the Moment Matters for the Celtics Right Now
This game carried weight beyond the box score.
Brown has carried Boston through a season many expected to be turbulent. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Brown has absorbed a larger role while maintaining efficiency, structure, and control. His December stretch included nine straight 30-point games and consistent winning.
And yet, recognition has not always followed.
The Player of the Month snub became part of the backdrop. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla welcomed the reaction it sparked.
“I’m happy he’s disappointed in it,” Mazzulla said. “I hope he takes it out on our opponents for the next month.”
Brown did exactly that.
After watching Brown dominate on both ends against one of the league’s toughest matchups, Mazzulla kept his postgame reflection simple.
“After the game, I just kind of thanked him,” Mazzulla said. “I thought that was an honor to be able to watch a performance like that.”
For a Celtics team redefining expectations on the fly, that response matters. It reinforces leadership. It reinforces identity.
Final Word for the Celtics
Jaylen Brown did not ask for attention.
He demanded it.
Boston heads home from its road trip playing its best basketball, backed by a star who continues to answer every question placed in front of him. Whether awards catch up or not, the message has already been delivered.
The Celtics are not waiting this season.
They are responding.