Jaylen Brown

In a high-profile, nationally-televised clash that theoretically doubled as a litmus test for both the reigning-champion Boston Celtics and their historically-hot counterparts, Jaylen Brown found the challenge conquerable through an elite blend of scoring and facilitating. Yet, during a heavyweight duel in which Brown’s assists created 22 points, it was a late-game passing by of a different kind that made all the difference. Built for the big-game atmosphere, the reigning Finals Most Valuable Player tests Georges Niang through first a size-up dribble, followed by a silky-smooth crossover-and-spin combination, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers forward blown by and overmatched. Finding the obstacle course’s next level to be upped in difficulty with Evan Mobley’s 6-foot-11, All-Defensive Team frame rapidly arriving, Brown hooks an acrobatic, whirling finger roll beyond his expansive reach, leaving Boston’s victory nearly solidified. Matching Brown’s ambitious pace, Boston commanded alpha dog status out East, upstaging a Cleveland juggernaut that entered with a 15-0 record, NBA history’s fourth-best start to a season. Alongside clamped-down defense against the Cavs’ perimeter stars, Brown’s box score totals included 17 points, three rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers.