With just 10 regular-season games left, the Boston Celtics appear to be trending towards making a deep playoff run. At this point, there aren't many notable storylines left, as the C's are simply trying to hold onto the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. From an individual standpoint, though, fans will be keeping close tabs on Jaylen Brown to see how he finishes out his MVP-caliber campaign.
In Jayson Tatum's absence, Brown has taken on a bigger role in pretty much every facet of the game for Boston. His latest feat saw him outduel fellow MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Celtics' 119-109 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, and that led to Brown moving back up to the No. 5 spot in NBA.com's MVP ladder.
“Brown has tug-boated the Celtics virtually all season during Jayson Tatum’s injury absence and has Boston within striking distance of first place in the East,” Shaun Powell wrote. “That guarantees the last few weeks will be suspenseful in that regard if nothing else. He’s fifth in scoring and among the top rebounding guards in the league.”
Brown likely isn't going to end up winning this award, as Gilgeous-Alexander is still the heavy frontrunner for the time being. Still, a top-five finish appears to be a possibility for Brown, as he continues to put up big numbers on a nightly basis (28.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 5.2 APG, 47.7 FG%).
The main goal for the C's will involve finishing in the highest possible position in the East heading into the playoffs. The New York Knicks are right behind Boston, but they are fresh off a loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. As for the Celtics, they will return to action on Friday night for a contest against the red-hot Atlanta Hawks.
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