Playing for the team Larry Bird starred for, against the team Larry Bird coached in the state where Larry Bird grew up, Celtics star Jaylen Brown won the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player.
Brown, who was a controversial omission from All-NBA honors last week, played like he had something to prove throughout the series. The Celtics beat the Pacers 105-102 in Game 4 on Monday to complete the four-game sweep at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Brown said. “I never win (expletive).”
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Brown averaged 29.8 points per game in the series. His game-tying 3-pointer forced overtime in Game 1. He had 40 points in Game 2 and had 29 points and six rebounds in Game 4. He had a huge late blocked shot and assisted on Derrick White’s game-winning 3-pointer.
Brown’s scoring average increased in each round of the playoffs. He averaged 22.8 points per game against Miami and 23.4 against the Cavaliers.
Brown won the award over some quality competition on his own roster. He likely edged Jayson Tatum for the honor. Tatum averaged 30.3 points per game in the series and nearly had a triple-double in Game 4. Jrue Holiday, who had a huge steal in Game 3 and a clinching offensive rebound in Game 4 might have been a candidate as well.
