Jaylen Brown, Celtics, NBA MVP, Jaylen Brown MVP
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Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics watches warmups before a game against the Miami Heat at the TD Garden on February 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Boston Celtics beat the Golden State Warriors 120-99 at TD Garden on Wednesday night. Jaylen Brown poured in 32 points while Kristaps Porzingis finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks for Golden State.
Porzingis returned to the building where he won a championship in 2024. He received a standing ovation and tribute video from the Celtics. The building recognized what he meant to the franchise during his two seasons in green.
After the game, Brown spoke about what Porzingis means to him.
Boston Celtics stars Kristaps Porzingis (left) and Jaylen Brown.
GettyWarriors’ Kristaps Porzingis and Celtics’ Jaylen Brown.
Brown Opens Up About Porzingis
Jaylen Brown addressed his relationship with Kristaps Porzingis after Wednesday’s win, and his words captured what winning a championship together creates.
“When you go through a journey like we did, winning a championship, it becomes like a brotherhood,” Brown said. “No matter where we go in life, KP will always have a friend in me.”
The quote reflected genuine affection. Porzingis helped Boston win a title in 2024. He delivered memorable moments in the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.
The bond created during that championship run does not disappear just because Porzingis now wears a Warriors uniform. Brown made that clear Wednesday night.
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Jaylen Brown on Kristaps Porzingis:
“When you go through a journey like we did, winning a championship. It becomes like a brotherhood. No matter where we go in life, KP will always have a friend in me.” ❤️
Celtics Win Their Third Straight
Jaylen Brown dominated against the Warriors with 32 points in another MVP-caliber performance, moving him into 10th place on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list. Jayson Tatum sits at ninth. The two franchise cornerstones continue climbing the record books together.
Brown has carried Boston offensively all season while Tatum worked his way back from a ten-month absence following an Achilles rupture. Wednesday showed both stars operating at elite levels. Tatum added 24 points and 10 rebounds in his seventh game back.
Porzingis had a quieter night against his former team. His 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks contrasted with Monday’s 30-point explosion against the Washington Wizards. The return to TD Garden carried emotional weight. The standing ovation. The tribute video. The memories of what they accomplished together.
The Celtics improved to 46-23 with their third straight win. They head to Memphis on Friday night.
GettyBOSTON, MA – MARCH 18: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors shares a laugh with former teammate Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on March 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Porzingis on His Recovery and Boston
Porzingis was asked by Bobby Manning about his health after Wednesday’s game, and his response revealed both how far he has come and how far he still has to go.
“I still got a good ways to go honestly,” Porzingis said. “Today I felt my engine was a bit in overdrive, you know just coming back here but…I didn’t feel my best today. Last game I would say I felt better. But I expect with each game to get closer and closer…so I would say I still got a good ways to go, 60 percent maybe.”
The 60 percent figure refers to where Porzingis believes he is compared to where he was with Boston last year before the illness struck, per Bobby Manning.
The acknowledgment was measured but honest. Porzingis is getting better. He expects to continue improving with each game. But he is not where he wants to be yet. Sixty percent leaves room for significant growth.
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Celtics fans showing love to Kristaps Porzingis. 🙌👏
Final Word for the Celtics
Jaylen Brown’s words about Kristaps Porzingis reflected what NBA basketball can create. A brotherhood. A bond that can last beyond trades and roster moves. Brown and Porzingis went through the journey of winning a championship together in 2024.
They are on different paths now. Porzingis will continue to find his feet in the Bay. Brown will continue to lead the Celtics alongside Tatum. The connection remains.
No matter where they go in life, KP will always have a friend in Jaylen Brown.