The vote was close, but for a small voice, it was Jaylen Brown who won the Larry Bird trophy, best player in the Eastern Conference final. Author of 29 points in Game 4, he succeeds Jayson Tatum (2022) and Jimmy Butler (2023). A reward that made him laugh, while he was snubbed from the All-NBA Teams and the All-Defensive Teams.
“I really didn't expect it, I've never won anything! » he saidbefore discussing his regrets at having been forgotten by… the best defensive five. “I think I'm one of the best two-way players on the outside, and I feel like I should have been selected to an All-Defensive Team. This is probably what hurt me the most, because it was one of my goals this season. But as long as the team recognizes my value, the city recognizes my value, my family… That's the only thing that matters to me. »
With an average of 29.8 points in the series, including a peak of 40 points in Game 2, Brown received five votes, compared to four for Jayson Tatum. “He deserved it more than me” he estimated, while Tatum finished this series with 30.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
Filling the void left by Marcus Smart
We will also remember his progress in these playoffs since he averaged 22.8 points/m against the Heat, then 23.4 points against the Cavaliers, to come close to 30 points on average against the Pacers. Brown has proven that he can raise his level of play, and even act as a leader.
“Some people left and I wanted to make sure that void was filled.” Marcus Smart, one of my brothers, was traded and was one of the voices of our team. With him gone, I wanted to make sure I took over. I wanted to make sure everyone felt included and knew what the standard was. We didn't skip any steps throughout the season; I feel like we played every game the right way, that we held everyone accountable, and this is the result. »
