Remember when some people questioned if Jaylen Brown could ever truly be a number-one option? If you’re watching the 2025-26 NBA season, you can go ahead and throw those old takes in the trash.
The 2024 NBA Champion and Finals MVP didn’t just rest on his laurels, he somehow got better. With the Boston Celtics facing what many called a “gap year” due to the loss of Jayson Tatum, Brown has taken the reins and elevated his game to levels many didn’t think he’d reach. He’s not just efficient, he’s dominating. In a season where Boston was supposed to be struggling to just make the playoffs, the Celtics are title contenders instead, thanks to the elite play of Brown.
Brown honestly should be getting way more respect for MVP than he is and he is proving he’s arguably the best two-way wing in the world. Here are three ways Brown is playing better than ever.
Three Ways Jaylen Brown is Playing Better Than Ever
1. The Playmaking Leap
For years, the critique on JB was that he was a score-first, second, and third guy. He was a great finisher, but often struggled with turnovers or tunnel vision when doubled. That’s gone. This season, Brown has completely transformed into a facilitator.
He’s averaging career-highs in assists, proving he can run an offense, not just score in it. Whether it’s finding shooters in the corner while driving or operating out of the pick-and-roll, Brown has learned to pick his spots perfectly. Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors, he set his new career-high with 13 assists, showcasing a level of patience and court vision that puts him in the conversation with elite playmakers. He’s no longer just attacking, he’s reading defenses and making the right play, often leading to a wide-open bucket for a teammate.
2. The Mid-Range Killer
We all know JB is dangerous at the rim and capable of lighting it up from three, but the biggest leap in his offensive arsenal this year is his absolute mastery of the mid-range game. According to 2025-26 stats, Brown is actually one of the best in the NBA from the mid-range and his shooting percentage is a huge improvement from previous seasons.
It’s not just that he’s making them, it’s how he’s making them. He’s utilizing a tighter handle and better footwork to create separation. Defenses can’t just pack the paint, and they can’t run him off the three-point line without him punishing them with a pull-up jumper. This, combined with his elite ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, makes him a three-level scorer who is practically impossible to stop one-on-one.
3. Lockdown Two-Way Dominance
Brown has always been a solid defender, but this year he’s taken on the “best two-way player in the world” mantra and backed it up with his actions. With the Celtics relying on him as the primary option, you’d think his defensive focus might slip. Instead, he’s taken it to another level. He’s frequently taking on the opposing team’s best player, using his strength and speed to shut down opponents while simultaneously carrying the heaviest scoring load on his team.
He’s not just a good on-ball defender anymore, his awareness off the ball has improved dramatically, preventing those back-door cuts that used to plague him in earlier seasons. If getting triple-doubles while effectively guarding elite players on the other end like he has doesn’t put you in the MVP conversation, I’m not sure what can. His “back against the wall” mentality, as he puts it, has turned him into the most complete wing in the NBA.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the improved playmaking, the lethal mid-range, or the elite two-way focus, Brown is showing us that his championship run was just the beginning. He’s not just improving, he has evolved into a superstar who can carry a team on both ends of the floor. As he said himself, he thrives when people doubt him. Well, looking at the way he’s playing right now, there isn’t much to doubt anymore.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
