Advertisement

Jaylen Brown sets NBA record in Celtics win, and Bill Russell approves

In the future, when we look back on how and when Jaylen Brown became a superstar, this late January game will probably play a major part.

Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 141-103 blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, and set an NBA record in the process. Brown scored 33 points in just 19 minutes of play, the most points ever scored in under 20 minutes since the start of the shot clock era in 1954.

Brown made it look easy

Brown’s 33 points were the most on the team, and he also set a personal record with his fourth straight game of at least 25 points. With his calm demeanor and soft touch, he made it look absolutely effortless.

We’ll forever be left to wonder what Brown could have done if he was given more time, because he didn’t play a second beyond the third quarter — but that’s mostly because he didn’t have to. The Celtics’ lead over the Cavs was established early, and they never gave it up. Head coach Brad Stevens wisely sat Brown in the fourth quarter.

Thus far in the 2020-21 season, Brown appears to be playing his way onto his very first All-Star team. He’s also been stepping up in the absence of Jayson Tatum, who has been out due to a COVID-19 quarantine, and helping the team get its footing after several weeks of COVID-19 disruptions. They’re 2-3 since returning from their COVID-19 layoff, but a game like this against the Cavs — who aren’t the same last place pushovers they were last season — could get them back on track.

Bill Russell sends encouragement to Brown

Brown’s historical feat didn’t go unnoticed. Celtics legend and all-time great Bill Russell was watching, and tweeted out a compliment and some encouragement.

That’s Russell’s first tweet about a basketball game all season, so Brown gets the credit for finally giving Russell something to tweet about.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 24: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at TD Garden on January 24, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown didn't just help the Celtics to a blowout win over the Cavaliers, he also set an NBA record. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

More from Yahoo Sports: