The Warriors were permitted to guard Jaylen Brown after the All-Star break ended, but someone neglected to inform them of this.
The daring move by Golden State backfired, as Sunday afternoon’s 140-88 thumping of the Celtics saw Brown explode for 29 points. If he had played on, he probably could have scored a 40 with comparatively little stress.
This was just his most recent outstanding effort in a run of excellent ones. In addition to leading the Celtics to a 3-0 record and winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Brown averaged 28.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal this week.
Brown has won four weekly awards in his career, but this is his first nomination since winning player of the week in March 2023.
Against the 76ers, Brown scored 31 points (11 of 14) to become the first Celtic to do so on less than 15 shots at the TD Garden since Paul Pierce in 2008.
He set the tone against the Warriors and added 25 points against the Mavericks.
He was the only NBA player of the week to average at least 28 points while shooting over 60% from the field and 45% from three points away (no less than three 3-pointers attempted).
In the Western Conference, LeBron James was the recipient of the award.
On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Cleveland, Brown and the Celtics—who have won 11 straight—will take on the Cavaliers.
