Wednesday night's epic clash between the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder "felt like a playoff game," according to Jaylen Brown, and it's easy to see why.
Not only was it a late-season battle between two of the best teams in basketball, but it was also a showdown between two MVP candidates and a potential NBA Finals preview.
After losing to the Thunder in OKC two weeks ago without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics evened the score with an impressive 119-109 comeback win over the defending champs.
It was a statement win for Boston, and it may have proved that the Celtics are officially the best team in the NBA right now.
"It felt like you were watching the best team in basketball."
—@RealJayWilliams following the Celtics defeating the Thunder, 119-109 🏀 pic.twitter.com/hSkOpaf73E
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 26, 2026
"Last night, watching them play, especially with the way they ended that game, it felt like you were watching the best team in basketball," NBA analyst Jay Williams said on Thursday's episode of "Get Up."
Williams cited Tatum's return, Joe Mazzulla's coaching and Jaylen Brown's MVP-level play as key reasons for Boston's dominance.
"It's the system ultimately designed by, I think, probably the best coach in the NBA in Joe Mazzulla," Williams continued. "It's the way they play and the continuity. And with Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, they're just a matchup nightmare. Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP-like style. I know we're getting towards closing time, but it felt like we were watching the best team in the NBA last night."
It's all coming together for the Celtics, who are 7-2 when Brown and Tatum have played together this season, and that's with Tatum playing well below his normal standards.
Give Tatum a few more weeks to shake the rust off, and Boston could look even better a month or two from now.
More NBA: Thunder Superstar Throws Subtle Shade At Jaylen Brown For Copying Him