CelticsNBANBA East

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Are Climbing Celtics History Together

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Mar 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) has a laugh with guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit:
Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
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Jaylen Brown continues to ascend the ranks of Boston Celtics history.

Against the Golden State Warriors on Mar. 18, Brown climbed not one, but two spots on the Celtics’ all-time leading scorers list. During his 32-point outing, he surpassed Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White on the franchise scoring list. With 13,202 points, Brown now has the 10th-most in team history.

Brown’s No. 10 spot holds added significance: It places him alongside his longtime running mate, Jayson Tatum, who ranks ninth in franchise history. The duo now sits side-by-side in all-time Celtics lore—and they’re far from done.

Jaylen Brown Is Playing at an MVP Level

The 2025-26 season will be remembered as the year Jaylen Brown began to truly master basketball.

Through his first 62 games, Brown is averaging 28.5 points per contest. That is on pace for the sixth-highest-scoring season in Celtics history. Additionally, he’s having a career-best season as a passer (5.1 assists per game), while continually rising to key defensive challenges.

Brown’s understanding of the game—reading the floor, picking the best spots to attack, generating good looks for his teammates—has reached a new high. By all accounts, Brown has elevated his play to an MVP-caliber level.

A Historic Night for the Jays

Brown entered Wednesday night needing 23 points to pass Cowens for 10th. He reached that by halftime.

“I’m very grateful,” Brown said after the game. “A lot of legends on that list who made big contributions to the Celtics, but also to the game of basketball. I’m very humbled and very grateful to be in the position I’m in.”

Much of Brown’s current career year took place with Tatum sidelined. But much more of his NBA journey has occurred with Tatum by his side. It was only fitting that the two were suited up together as Brown reached another historic accomplishment.

“It just goes to show the dedication and commitment that he’s made to his craft,” Tatum said on Brown’s achievement. “I’ve seen over the last nine years him developing and getting better each and every year to turn into the player he is now. It’s cool when you get rewarded for the work that you’ve put in.”

The night was historic not just for Brown individually, but for the Jays together. The duo recorded their 193rd game where they both scored at least 20 points—third-most of any Celtics teammates in franchise history.

The Jays Are Far From Done Climbing

Adding to the moment, Robert Parish—fourth on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list—was in attendance. Parish scored 18,245 points across 1,106 games with Boston.

With another franchise legend in the building and multiple milestones reached in one night, it’s hard not to zoom out and consider what the Jays are building together.

Brown is currently playing the best basketball of his life. Less than a year ago, Tatum was named to his fourth-consecutive All-NBA First Team. Tatum’s ability to return to that form following his Achilles rehab remains a question, but at 27 years old, time is still on his side. Both players are under contract for the next three seasons beyond this one.

The Jays have both proven capable of playing at top-10 levels in the NBA. If they reach their peaks together, as planned, they’re on a path to rivaling Larry Bird and Kevin McHale as the greatest duo in Celtics history—and potentially one of the greatest in NBA history.

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Written by
TJ Mabardy

TJ is a Massachusetts native and sports writer at The Lead, covering the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics. With a passion for storytelling and deep sports knowledge, TJ provides insightful analysis and engaging content for fans.

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