Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Makes History During Magic Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 12:48 AM ET

The Boston Celtics faced a bit of a challenge on Wednesday in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series versus the Orlando Magic when Jayson Tatum, their best player, was ruled out due to a bone bruise in his right wrist.

The Magic were one of the NBA's best defensive teams during the regular season and managed to be competitive during the first half. But Boston broke things open afterward en route to a 109-100 win, and it was led by Jaylen Brown.

Brown recorded 36 points on 12-of-19 overall shooting and 5-of-7 from 3-point range, 10 rebounds and five assists. In doing so, he joined some select company in the team's storied history.

"Jaylen Brown tonight became the fifth Celtic to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a playoff game, joining Larry Bird (9X), Jayson Tatum (4X), John Havlicek (3X), and Paul Pierce (2X)," wrote Celtics Stats on X.

Jaylen Brown tonight became the fifth Celtic to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a playoff game, joining Larry Bird (9X), Jayson Tatum (4X), John Havlicek (3X), and Paul Pierce (2X).
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) April 24, 2025

While Tatum is an outstanding player, an argument could be made that Brown is an even more impactful player in high-leverage situations. When the Celtics won the NBA championship last June, he was named the finals MVP with averages of 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals a game.

This season, he earned his third straight All-Star game nod and fourth in five years by posting 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

The Celtics now lead their series versus Orlando two games to none, with the next two games taking place in Florida.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: