Tatum Praises Jaylen Brown's Stunning MVP-Caliber Season

Celtics star Jayson Tatum highlights Brown's leadership and standout performances driving the team's success this year.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Boston Celtics have surged to second place in the Eastern Conference standings, largely due to the exceptional play of Jaylen Brown. In Jayson Tatum's absence, Brown has taken on a greater offensive load, averaging nearly 30 points per game and earning his first All-Star selection as a starter. Tatum has praised Brown's dedication, work ethic, and ability to elevate his game, expressing no surprise at his teammate's breakout season.

Why it matters

Brown's MVP-caliber performance has kept the Celtics competitive in the East despite Tatum's injury, showcasing Brown's growth into a true superstar. When Tatum eventually returns, the combination of their talents will make Boston an even more formidable contender.

The details

Over 49 games this season, Brown is averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. His efforts earned him the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award for January and his first All-Star selection as a starter. Brown has taken on the role of primary scorer, closer, and team leader, steadying the Celtics through challenging situations.

  • On February 12, 2026, the Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 124-105, marking their sixth win in the last seven games.
  • Jayson Tatum reached 39 weeks into his rehab from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last May.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A Boston Celtics forward who is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging nearly 30 points per game and earning his first All-Star selection as a starter.

Jayson Tatum

A Boston Celtics forward who is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last May, but has expressed confidence in Brown's ability to lead the team in his absence.

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What they’re saying

“Even before the season, there was no doubt in my mind that he, and P and D-White and all these guys, I knew what they were capable of.”

— Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Whenever somebody that loves the game that much, and works as hard as they do, gain more opportunity, I'm not surprised what they've been able to accomplish.”

— Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“It's been really fun to see.”

— Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

“It was good to be a part of practice yesterday with the Maine G-League guys. Today is 39 weeks, so it's been a long journey. And, it's just like the progression of rehab... it doesn't mean I'm coming back or not.”

— Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics forward (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Celtics plan to embark on a four-game road trip along the West Coast beginning February 19, following the All-Star break.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber season has kept the Celtics competitive in Jayson Tatum's absence, showcasing his growth into a true superstar. When Tatum eventually returns, the combination of their talents will make Boston an even more formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.