Boston Celtics’ forward Jaylen Brown expressed astonishment upon being awarded the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, clinching the Larry Bird Trophy.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. I don’t ever win shit,” Brown said, as reported by SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell.
The accolade was bestowed upon the three-time All-Star following the Celtics’ 105-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4, sealing a series sweep. Brown, who led Boston with 29 points in the decisive game, was visibly taken aback when presented with the MVP trophy.
Jaylen Brown is awarded The Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP 🏆
The @celtics advance to the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV! pic.twitter.com/kWg9oucXvF
— NBA (@NBA) May 28, 2024
Despite Jayson Tatum’s series-leading average of 30.2 points per game, Brown’s impactful performance included a crucial defensive block on Andrew Nembhard and a pivotal assist to Derrick White for the game-winning three-pointer with a minute remaining in regulation.
In postgame remarks, Brown expressed disappointment at his exclusion from the NBA’s All-Defensive teams, asserting his belief in his prowess as “one of the best two-way wings in the game,” per Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Brown’s teammates Derrick White and Jrue Holiday secured spots on the All-Defensive second team.
With Brown becoming the second Celtic to claim the Larry Bird Trophy in its three-year history, Boston advances to face the winner of the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series. The Mavericks currently hold a commanding 3-0 lead.
The NBA Finals are slated to commence on June 6.
