Jaylen Brown edges Jayson Tatum for Larry Bird Trophy

The Boston Celtics have once again secured their spot in the NBA Finals for the second time in three years, marking a triumphant return to the grand stage of basketball’s pinnacle event.

Their journey to the Finals was anticipated from the outset of the playoffs, given the formidable depth of their roster and the injury woes plaguing the Eastern Conference. Boston emerged victorious, clinching the Eastern Conference crown with an impressive 12-2 record.

Although the Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the path was far from easy. Despite holding late-game leads in three out of four matchups, the Pacers faltered in closing out games against the relentless Celtics.

Beyond the ticket to the NBA Finals, the Celtics also claimed another significant accolade on Monday night—the prestigious Larry Bird Trophy for the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

The recipient of this esteemed honor for the 2024 season is none other than Jaylen Brown, a dynamic 27-year-old wing player whose exceptional performance throughout the series caught many by surprise, including Brown himself. In his humble acceptance speech, Brown expressed his astonishment, stating, “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I don’t ever win s—. I was just happy we won.”

Despite being commonly regarded as the secondary option behind Jayson Tatum, Brown’s standout performance earned him the majority of votes from the panel, securing five out of nine votes, with Tatum receiving the remaining four.

This isn’t the first time the Celtics have seen one of their stars honored with the Larry Bird Trophy. Jayson Tatum claimed the title in 2022, showcasing the team’s depth of talent and versatility.

While Brown emerged as the victor in the MVP race, the decision wasn’t without its share of debate. Comparing the statistical performances of Brown and Tatum throughout the Eastern Conference Finals reveals a compelling narrative, with Tatum boasting slightly superior numbers in several categories.

The Larry Bird Trophy, introduced in 2022, pays homage to the legendary Celtics forward Larry Bird, who left an indelible mark on the franchise with his remarkable achievements, including three championships and five Finals appearances during his illustrious 13-year career in Boston.

As the Larry Bird Trophy continues to be awarded to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of basketball’s greatest icons and serves as a reminder of the Celtics’ rich history and tradition of excellence.

 

Jaylen Brown vs. Jayson Tatum Eastern Conference Finals stats