Boston player Jaylen Brown went from a 2024 postseason low to the highest point on Monday, winning the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award with a 21-point performance that included eight rebounds and six assists in the Celtics’ 106-86 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5.
After scoring just 10 points in Game 4 of the playoffs, Brown recovered to help Boston defeat Dallas 4-1 in the series and win an NBA record 18 titles.
Following Game 4, Brown remarked, “You’re going to have to fight and just stay in the moment.” That’s the most important thing. You have to play your best every night because there are some extremely talented players at this level who will be on the court.
With 15 points in the first half and 16 from Jayson Tatum, Brown helped Boston take a commanding 67-46 lead at the intermission. Brown, the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, shot 44% overall and averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in the Finals.
In Game 3, Brown had his greatest performance of the series, finishing with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and a block. He and Tatum became only the second Boston Celtics duo to score at least 30 points in a Finals game.
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Brown made history in Game 1 as well, being the first player from the Celtics to score 20 points in the Finals while grabbing three steals and blocks.
Brown commented, “It was a full team effort,” after being awarded the MVP award for the Bill Russell NBA Finals. “It’s shared with my brothers and my co-conspirator, Jayson Tatum.” He accompanied me the entire time. I have been appreciative of every second and every chance. I never let my head hang.
Two years prior, he hadn’t even attempted that after committing 10 turnovers in the previous two games and shooting 31.8% from outside the arc in the final three games of the 2022 NBA Finals, which saw Golden State win on their home court in Boston.
“On the court, he’s not afraid to face his weaknesses,” said Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics coach. You’ll be able to handle whatever situation the game throws at you if you have that kind of mentality. And in order to evolve, you must learn to be vulnerable with the things that unnerve you. That’s what he does.