Celtics’ Jaylen Brown shone against the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 04: Jaylen Brown of Boston Celtics battles with Nikola Jokic of Denver Nuggets during the NBA match between Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics at Etihad Arena on October 04, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown produced two high-level performances during the Boston Celtics’ two preseason wins over the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi. The Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP looks physically bigger heading into the new season and appears to have expanded his game, specifically in terms of his off-the-dribble shooting and his moves around the rim.

Joe Mazzulla is fortunate to have two of the best wings in the NBA. Both Brown and Tatum are elite at their position and will be essential to Boston’s hopes of securing back-to-back championships. Last season, Brown took a significant leap as an on-ball defender, especially at the point of attack. Now, it would appear he’s ready to take a similar jump in terms of scoring, both off the catch and with the ball in his hands. His aggression on offense also seems much improved.

During a recent episode of the “First to the Floor” podcast, the hosts broke down Brown’s stellar preseason showings against the Nuggets, noting that he was on another level compared to everyone else on the court, Celtics and Nuggets players alike.