Overview
- Smith said on ESPN’s First Take that he would give the MVP to Jaylen Brown, citing near-30-point scoring, elite usage and limited star support in Boston.
- Boston is 38-20 and holding the East’s No. 2 seed after a decisive loss to Denver, sharpening focus on the Brown–Jokić comparison.
- Shams Charania reported Brown would play in Denver on the second night of a back-to-back after a precautionary DNP for a right knee contusion.
- Brown’s season line is roughly 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game, with strong two-way impact highlighted in recent coverage.
- Jokić is averaging about 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists but has missed 16 games, leaving him two absences from falling short of the 65-game award threshold.