BOSTON — For the first time the Bill Russell Trophy is going to a member of the team he made legendary.
The NBA Finals MVP, which has been named for Russell since 2009, a year after the last time the Celtics won the championship, was given to Jaylen Brown after Boston closed out its 18th Championship with a 106-88 win over the Mavericks on Monday at TD Garden.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recognized that Brown had a relationship with Russell before the legendary big man died. He smiled and said:
“Bill Russell would be so proud,” as he handed the trophy to Brown.
Brown averaged 20.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the series and had 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists i the clinching Game 5.
He edged teammate Jayson Tatum, who had 31 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds in Game 5.
Brown joins an elite list of Boston Celtics to win the NBA Finals MVP award, which was first given out in 1969. including:
2007-08: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
1985-86: Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
1983-84: Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
1980-81: Cedric Maxwell, Boston Celtics
1975-76: Jo Jo White, Boston Celtics
1973-74: John Havlicek, Boston Celtics
