Jaylen Brown is a champion, winning NBA Finals MVP

From Berkeley to Boston, Brown cements a decade-long journey to the top of the basketball world.

Credit: ESPN/ABC

Jaylen Brown was one of the most heralded recruits in Cal men’s basketball history. He was part of a team that went undefeated in Haas Pavilion in 2015-16, as Cal earned a 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Everyone knew his potential was sky high.

Eight years later, he’s realized it all, winning his first NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, and capturing NBA Finals MVP.

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Brown earned a record NBA contract, making him the highest paid player in basketball this offseason. He had incredible highlights on the way to and during the Finals, taking control in the crucial moments with Jayson Tatum struggling with his shot. Brown earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors against the Pacers.

Brown led Boston in scoring in Game 1 against Dallas with 22 points. His 30 point, 8 rebound, 8 assist performance in Game 3 in Dallas essentially clinched the title for Boston as they took a 3-0 lead.

The Celtics closed things at home in Game 5 as Brown put up 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Brown averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the Finals.

Brown’s two-way play was what ultimately swung the title to the Celtics. The primary ball defender on Luka Doncic, he forced one of the best players in basketball to sub-50% FG and sub-30% three point shooting in the Finals.

Now he’s a champion. Congrats Jaylen!