The Boston Celtics are having a stellar regular season and appear to be trending upward at just the right time. As legitimate contenders for back-to-back NBA championships, they are sharpening their game ahead of the playoffs. While much of the spotlight falls on Jayson Tatum’s consistent excellence, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown continues to prove his value—and recently revealed he’s been studying the game of Celtics legend Paul Pierce.
Speaking to the media after a recent win over the Phoenix Suns, the former Cal standout said he’s been watching footage of “The Truth” to enhance his playstyle. “It’s funny because he was at the game today. Before the game, I was watching some Paul Pierce footage,” Brown shared, via Boston.com’s Khari A. Thompson.
“Getting to your spots, you know, playing at a certain pace. Today I felt like I didn’t have my normal burst, but I was still able to be effective, so I think that’s good,” said Brown. “But as we continue to move forward, I’m hoping to feel better and better.”
“But there’s no guarantee that rest or anything like that will make this thing better, so I’m figuring it out and going through it and getting ready for the playoffs,” he added. Brown’s commitment to growth—even while managing discomfort—is becoming a defining element of his 2024 NBA campaign.
Footwork and pace: the Pierce effect in Brown’s one-on-one game
’s mid-range game and controlled movements are starting to resemble the methodical, deliberate footwork Pierce used to get defenders off balance. Unlike Pierce, Brown still possesses elite athleticism—but that makes his evolution even more dangerous. He can explode when needed, but now he’s also creating space with angles and precision.
From pump fakes to sharp pivots, Brown is showing the kind of offensive maturity that allows him to dominate even when his legs aren’t at full strength. The ability to get to his spots—rather than forcing the game—is a hallmark of Pierce’s legacy and a growing strength of Brown’s.
Basketball IQ: from explosive finisher to cerebral scorer
Brown’s shift from being purely an explosive finisher to a cerebral scorer shows in his decision-making. Instead of relying on speed and power alone, he’s making reads, slowing the game down, and dissecting defenses with poise. That kind of growth is crucial in postseason basketball, where physicality increases and pace slows.
As the Celtics eye another title run, Brown’s developing IQ and adaptability could be the X-factor. He’s proving he can be effective with or without his full athleticism—just like Pierce once did—and that kind of versatility is what defines a championship-caliber star.