The Boston Celtics have been basking in the glory of their Eastern Conference win. More so for Jaylen Brown who was awarded the title of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals MVP. However, as the Celtics prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, a recent narrative involving the team’s key players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, has become popular. Brown’s recent win has sparked speculations about potential envy from his teammate Jayson.

When Brown won the award, his teammates were ecstatic. All of them huddled around him to celebrate his win. However, according to former NBA player and ESPN analyst, Udonis Haslem, Jayson Tatum appeared to be “shocked” and less enthusiastic compared to his other teammates. When Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla was asked about this brewing narrative, he sounded frustrated. He strongly defended his players. “The whole thing about that really p*sses me off & I think it’s unfair to both of them. It’s stupid that people have to use those two guys’ names and information that they don’t know to create clickbaits so that they could stay relevant. It’s very unfair that those two get compared.” 

The ESPN Get Up crew definitely felt differently. When Jaylen won the award, Haslem felt that Tatum did not mirror the level of excitement that everyone else was on. More so, the ex-NBA champion seemed to think that Tatum was taken aback. “I think Jayson was just shocked. He played well down the stretch. I think the last couple of games he was the best player, but the series was turned around with that shot that Jaylen Brown made,” said Haslem.

After an incredible series, Jaylen Brown secured the MVP award for the first time ever. The results were close; with five members voting for Brown and four for Tatum. Despite Tatum’s selection to the First Team All-NBA and Brown’s absence from any All-NBA teams this season, Brown still surpassed his teammate.

Head coach Mazzulla feels that the two players are not just different people but also different players. He passionately said “They’re two completely different players, great teammates, they love each other. It’s been an honor to coach both of them. It’s b*llsh*t, I love both of them and they deserve better.” And who would know the two players better than their coach? Putting the bitter narratives aside, take a look at the MVP’s spectacular performance in the winning match.

Jaylen Brown drives the Celtics closer to championship glory

When Brown found out he won MVP, the player looked confused, almost as if he hadn’t expected it. He muttered under his breath, “Oh Sh*t.” After their 105-102 win over the Indiana Pacers, the Celtics sealed the deal on Monday. In the post-game interview, when asked about the win, Brown said, “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I don’t never win sh*t. I’m just happy that we won.” His comments echoed one sentiment; his team’s ambitions came before individual glory.

During the pivotal Game 4, with 50 seconds left on the clock and a scoreboard that read 102-102, Brown’s brilliant playmaking skills gave his team the 3-point lead that led them to victory.

Brown racked up 29 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists for his team. Tatum followed suit with an impressive score of 26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists. The 27-year-old MVP averaged 25 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in the post-season. In Game 2 against the Pacers, Jayeln recreated his career-high with a stunning contribution of 40 points to a 126-110 victory. His contribution to the team’s success is undeniable.

As Jaylen Brown continues to grow, his MVP win highlights his growth and impact. Meanwhile, his teammate and friend Jayson Tatum’s consistent excellence continues to establish him at the top of the league. Despite all the media-fueled drama, it is safe to say that the Celtics’ success this season is a fruit of the duo’s combined efforts.