Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is putting up elite numbers this year, leading the team in scoring with 28.5 points per night. He took a moment to reflect on the influences behind his rise, expressing gratitude toward three NBA legends during a recent appearance on “Basketball Night in America.”
How NBA Legends Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter Inspired Jaylen Brown
Speaking ahead of Sunday night’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden, Brown expressed appreciation for Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter, who now serve as analysts on NBC Sports’ weekly show.
“I’m in the presence of some all-time greats. I grew up watching these guys, my game is inspired by a lot of these guys,” Brown said. “So, to be able to have them come and talk to me and pour life and give me wisdom and advice, you can’t quantify how important and how cool that is for someone like me that’s in this stance and this position, and every time they talkin’, my ears is wide open.”
NBC Sports’ “Basketball Night in America,” which launched on Feb. 1, 2026, is hosted by Maria Taylor and travels to NBA arenas each Sunday, offering pregame coverage with its panel of former stars.
Brown’s appearance came amid what has been the most productive season of his 10-year NBA career. The Celtics forward is averaging a career-high 28.5 points, along with 7 rebounds and 5.1 assists across 64 games.
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His scoring jump from a career average of 19.9 underscores his evolution into a primary offensive force and a legitimate MVP candidate.
He also took on increased responsibility in the absence of Jayson Tatum, leading Boston’s scoring charge and helping stabilize the team during most of the 2025-26 season without their franchise cornerstone. This season, Brown powered the Celtics to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference when expectations had dipped following Tatum’s injury.
Despite Brown’s continued brilliance, Sunday’s result didn’t go Boston’s way. The Celtics fell 102-92 to the Timberwolves, marking their first loss in 5 games and dropping them to 47-24 on the season.
The Celtics’ struggles were particularly evident in the fourth quarter, when they shot just 5-for-27. Two of those baskets came in garbage time, highlighting a season-worst offensive stretch that ultimately sealed the loss. The Timberwolves, notably, secured the win without All-Star Anthony Edwards.
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Brown finished with a game-high 29 points but struggled after halftime, shooting 3-for-13 over the final two quarters. Tatum, meanwhile, had a quiet outing outside of a 13-point third quarter, scoring just 3 points across the remaining periods.
The loss tightens the Eastern Conference race, with the Celtics now holding only a half-game lead over the third-place New York Knicks.
Boston faces a significant test next, as they prepare to host the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, March 25.
