The Boston Celtics, defying preseason expectations, continue to surge through the NBA, currently boasting a record of 37-19 as of February 24, 2026. Their success story is particularly compelling given the season-long absence of star forward Jayson Tatum due to a torn Achilles tendon, and the departures of key players from their 2024 championship-winning roster. Fueling this remarkable run is the exceptional play of Jaylen Brown, whose performance has even drawn praise from rival LeBron James, sparking a conversation about his viability as a Most Valuable Player candidate. The Celtics will look to continue their momentum as they face the struggling Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, marking the third game of a four-game road trip.
The conversation surrounding Brown’s MVP potential gained significant traction following the Celtics’ dominant 111-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Four-time MVP LeBron James publicly endorsed Brown’s candidacy, expressing his surprise that the Celtics guard isn’t receiving more recognition in the MVP discussion. “This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about some as well,” James stated after the game, as reported by ESPN. ESPN. James highlighted the Celtics’ unexpected success this season, despite facing significant roster challenges, and Brown’s consistent performance, averaging 29.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
Celtics Thrive Despite Roster Turnover
The Celtics’ current success is even more impressive considering the significant changes to their roster since their 2024 championship run. Key contributors Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis are no longer with the team. Adding to the challenge, the team has been without Jayson Tatum for the entire season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Despite these hurdles, Boston has not only remained competitive but has flourished, largely thanks to the elevated play of Jaylen Brown and contributions from players like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White.
Payton Pritchard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, has stepped into a larger role and is enjoying a career year, averaging 17.6 points per game. He showcased his scoring prowess against the Lakers, contributing 30 points and shooting 15 of 28 from beyond the arc in the last three games, all Celtics victories. Veteran Derrick White is also having a career season, averaging 17.0 points per game. These contributions have been crucial in filling the void left by Tatum and the departed players.
Suns Struggle with Injuries and Offensive Woes
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are facing a starkly different reality. Plagued by injuries to key players, particularly Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, the Suns have struggled to discover consistency on offense. They have lost six of their last nine games, culminating in a disappointing 92-77 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday – their lowest point total since a 2017 loss to the same opponent. CBS Sports reports that the Suns are grappling with a lack of offensive firepower and an inability to consistently create high-quality scoring opportunities.
Devin Booker, who averages 24.7 points per game, is currently sidelined with a hip injury and will be re-evaluated next week. Dillon Brooks, averaging 20.9 points, is expected to be out for a prolonged period due to a hand fracture. The absence of these key scorers has significantly impacted the Suns’ offensive capabilities. Adding to their woes, Grayson Allen (17.3 points per game) has missed five of the last six games with a knee injury and is considered doubtful for Tuesday’s game against Boston. Reserve guard Jordan Goodwin is also questionable with a calf injury.
Suns Coach Addresses Offensive Struggles
Suns coach Jordan Ott acknowledged the team’s offensive struggles, stating, “This isn’t a one-night thing. I think this has affected us in the last few games. We have had difficulties scoring for a long time. The quality of the shots has not been good. So we have to keep trying to find a way around it.” Ott emphasized the need for the team to improve its ability to get to the free-throw line and the rim, and to create more opportunities through effective screens and transition play.
Brown’s MVP Case: More Than Just Statistics
Jaylen Brown’s case for MVP extends beyond his impressive statistics. He is currently fourth in the league in scoring, averaging 29.2 points per game, and has demonstrably elevated his all-around game, achieving career highs in rebounds (7.0) and assists (4.8). However, it’s his leadership and resilience in the face of adversity that have particularly impressed observers, including LeBron James. Brown himself believes he is playing at an elite level, stating, “I feel like the best two-way player in the world. I play on both ends of the floor. Night in and night out, I’m available, which is hard to do.”
Brown also emphasized his leadership role and his commitment to winning, stating, “I am a leader. I help lead my team, I offer them strength to go out and play with confidence, something that is not always reflected in the analysis. And I’m a winner. I go out to win every night. So I’m grateful.” This unwavering commitment to team success, coupled with his exceptional individual performance, is bolstering his MVP candidacy.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzula downplayed the team’s success, emphasizing a process-oriented approach. “The story isn’t over,” Mazzula said. “We haven’t done anything. All we’ve done is stick to the process of winning on both sides of the court.” This focus on continuous improvement and collective effort underscores the Celtics’ determination to remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics’ ability to overcome significant challenges and maintain a high level of play is a testament to their depth, resilience, and the leadership of players like Jaylen Brown. As they prepare to face the struggling Phoenix Suns, they will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position as one of the league’s elite teams. The game on Tuesday will be a crucial test for both teams, with the Celtics aiming to maintain their momentum and the Suns seeking to address their offensive woes and regain their footing in the Western Conference.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams is their respective schedules for the week of February 28th, 2026, which can be found on the official NBA website: NBA Schedule. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the Celtics’ MVP chances and the Suns’ struggles in the comments below.