While Jayson Tatum is mostly considered the best player on the Celtics squad, in the first two games of the Conference Finals, it has been Jaylen Brown who has stolen the show. By hitting the clutch game-tying three-pointer in Game 1 to force overtime, Brown saved his team from losing on Tuesday. And tonight, he scored a game-high 40 points to give his team a commanding two-game lead in the series. Many are crediting Brown’s dominant performances to the recent All-Star snub he had to face while his opponent, Tyrese Haliburton made the cut. And after the game, JB confronted those rumors head-on.

When asked if not getting selected in any of the All-NBA teams this year has motivated him in any way for these playoffs, Brown instantly denied that notion, “Nah, I wouldn’t say that… We’re two games from the Finals, so I don’t got the time to give a f**k.” Yes, it would have been a great feeling for Brown if his individual effort had been recognized by the league with an All-NBA selection. But now that it’s in the past and there is a title at stake, Brown’s main focus lies in getting to the NBA Finals and lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy.

More importantly, eliminating Haliburton from the playoffs will give Brown the last laugh. Averaging 23 points during the regular season while contributing on both ends of the floor, Brown was clearly a key reason why Boston finished with the best record in the league. Despite that, only Jayson Tatum got the All-NBA nod from the Celtics squad, while Brown didn’t even make the third team. Meanwhile, young guns like Haliburton and Booker got the nod before Brown, despite having a worse record. While Brown seemed unfazed by the snub, many of his teammates, including Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, believed he deserved the selection.

Jaylen Brown embraces whatever is thrown at him

Diving deeper into his thoughts about the All-Star snub, a reporter asked JB if he feels like his talent is often overlooked amid the competition. Responding candidly, Brown said, “I watch guys get praised and anointed, I feel like are as half as talented as me on either side of the ball… I just embrace it.” Consistently, since the start of his career, Brown has played as important a role in Boston’s success as Tatum. As the second-best player on the roster, he has helped the Celtics reach their sixth Conference Finals in eight years.

Moreover, Brown has not let individual accolades define his path in the NBA. Instead, he is focused on improving his game and helping his team win, “I get better every single year, and whether people appreciate it or not it is what it is.” But come playoff time, JB has always proven that he is one of the best players in the league and is made for big moments. And all the All-NBA snubs will be forgotten if Brown is able to finally get over the hump and lead the Celtics to a Championship. Do you agree?

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.