Getty
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown warms up.(Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics did not come away with the result they wanted in Oregon.
They did come away with another confirmation of something that has defined their December.
Despite a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Jaylen Brown continued his dominant stretch, scoring 37 points. A day later, the league took notice, naming Brown Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
It marked the second time in three weeks Brown has received the honor.
Jaylen Brown’s December Run Reaches Rare Territory
The award reflects more than a single performance.
Across the week, Brown averaged 32.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while shooting efficiently and carrying a heavy offensive workload for a Celtics team navigating injuries and lineup strain.
The performance in Portland added historical weight.
With his 37-point outing, Brown recorded his ninth consecutive game with 30 or more points, tying a franchise record that had stood alone for decades. The only other Celtic to accomplish that feat was Larry Bird.
It is rare company. And Brown has reached it during one of the most demanding stretches of Boston’s season.
Celtics Continue Leaning on Brown Through Road Stretch
Boston’s road loss did little to change the broader picture.
The Celtics are asking Brown to do more in Jayson Tatum’s absence. He has responded nightly.
Brown has been Boston’s offensive anchor throughout the season, providing shot creation late in games, physical downhill pressure, and defensive engagement on the other end. The scoring has been loud. The efficiency has been steady. The leadership has followed.
Now, the schedule offers a chance to push that run even further.
Boston heads to Salt Lake City next to face the Utah Jazz, where Brown will have an opportunity to stand alone atop the franchise record books if the streak continues.
What This Means for the Celtics Going Forward
Boston is working through a December that has required adaptability and resilience. Brown’s sustained excellence has provided stability during that process and given the Celtics something reliable to build around as the calendar turns.
The Player of the Week honor reinforces what has already been clear.
Jaylen Brown’s December has not gone unnoticed.
And it may not be finished yet.
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
More Heavy on Celtics
Loading more stories