The final week of the year was among the best of Jaylen Brown’s season. The Celtics star was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 32.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, along with 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
Brown shot 56% from the field, 43% from three and 80% from the free-throw lineconfirming the best season of his career and strengthening his MVP candidacy.
On the other side stands Kawhi Leonardforward of the Los Angeles Clippers, a player Brown holds in the highest regard. The Celtics guard has repeatedly acknowledged Leonard as the best two-way player he has ever seen in the NBA, a true benchmark for elite offensive and defensive impact.
It’s really hard to be that type of player, and I think people don’t realize it, they don’t respect it enough. But when you’re able to play that way, your impact takes everything to another level. Kawhi is the best I’ve ever seen.
Jaylen Brown
The model represented by Kawhi Leonard is both winning and concrete. Precisely because of the two-way qualities highlighted by Jaylen Brown, Leonard was the cornerstone of two teams that reached the NBA title: the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019leaving a lasting mark in both stints.
Brown knows well what it means to have that kind of impact. In 2024, he was named NBA Finals MVPleading Boston to the 18th championship in franchise history. An honor that certifies his growth and his ability to deliver at the highest level.
Two-Way Identity, the Path to the Title
At the same time, Brown is aware he’s part of a deep and complete team. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics can rely on several players capable of influencing the game on both ends of the floor – a crucial factor in aiming high once again.
That’s why I think we have multiple chances to win the title this year.
Jaylen Brown
Boston has exceeded all expectations this season. The absence of Jayson Tatumstill rehabbing from an Achilles tendon injuryhad pushed the front office to reconsider the team’s direction in the offseason. Instead, the Celtics immediately proved to be a solid and competitive group.
Much of the credit goes to Jaylen Brown’s consistent impact, but the real leap forward stems from the team’s two-way nature – the same concept Brown referenced when discussing Kawhi Leonard. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons perfectly embody this identity: players who can affect both sides of the court, providing balance, defensive intensity and offensive production without needing the offense to revolve entirely around them.
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