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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics winks during a game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on December 19, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics walked into Portland carrying momentum, confidence, and a growing sense that this road trip could further validate what they’ve built over the last month.
Instead, they walked out with a reminder of how thin the margins can be away from home.
Boston fell 114–108 to the Portland Trail Blazers, snapping a six-game winning streak in a game that swung late. The loss mattered in the standings. But the bigger takeaway came from one individual performance that placed a Celtic squarely in franchise history.
Jaylen Brown Reaches Celtics Franchise Milestone
GettyJaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Utah Jazz.
Jaylen Brown finished with 37 points, carrying Boston’s offense for long stretches and extending his scoring streak to nine consecutive games of 30 or more points.
That achievement ties Larry Bird for the longest such streak in Celtics franchise history, a mark Bird set during the 1985 season.
For a franchise defined by scoring legends across multiple eras, the context is unavoidable. Brown now sits alone beside Bird when it comes to sustained high-volume scoring in green.
How the Game Slipped Away in Portland
Boston controlled early portions of the night behind Brown’s shot-making, racing out to an early lead and taking an 8-point advantage into halftime.
But the game shifted after the break.
Portland increased its physicality, Boston’s outside shooting cooled, and the Celtics struggled to generate consistent offense outside of Brown. The Blazers won the battle on the glass late and capitalized on key turnovers in the final minutes.
Boston shot poorly from three in the second half and left little margin for error once the game tightened. A handful of late possessions turned into empty trips, and Portland made just enough plays to close the door.
What It Says About This Celtics Team
Even in defeat, the broader picture remains steady.
Boston continues to function as a structured, competitive group on both ends of the floor, and Brown’s ability to anchor the offense has allowed the Celtics to survive stretches where efficiency dips elsewhere.
The loss in Portland does not erase the progress of the past few weeks. It reinforces it. This team has shown it can respond, adjust, and carry its identity onto the road. Nights like this simply highlight how essential Brown has become to that identity.
Final Word for the Celtics
The streak now moves with Boston.
Brown will carry a chance to stand alone in franchise history into the next stop of the road trip. One more 30-point night would push him past Bird and set a new standard that has stood untouched for four decades.
Jaylen Brown is not chasing history anymore. He’s standing in it.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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