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Celtics Lose after 3-1 Lead, Brown Shines, Tatum Stays

5/9/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Celtics Lose

The Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round after blowing a 3-1 lead.
Boston finished 56-26, earning the No. 2 Eastern seed, far above the projected 45 wins.
Brett Siegel reported the Celtics will not trade Jayson Tatum because he is the franchise’s face.
Jaylen Brown posted career-high points and rebounds and became a surprise MVP candidate.
The team said Brown’s door remains open despite trade rumors.

Summary

Brown Media Feud

Brad Stevens said his talks with Jaylen Brown were “nothing but positive,” rejecting media speculation.
Brown told Stephen A. Smith to retire after the analyst said he should be quiet.
Jayson Tatum posted an Instagram Story with Denzel Washington warning that the media rushes to publish “BS,” during Brown’s feud.
Brown said he loves Boston, would play ten more years if possible, and hates that his president must address the controversy.

Summary

Tatum Trade Risk

ESPN analyst Alan Hahn said that if a trade decision were forced, Boston would likely move Jayson Tatum rather than Jaylen Brown.
Brown averaged 28.7 points on 47.7% shooting and 34.7% three, slightly above Tatum’s 27.5 points on 46.0% shooting and 36.0% three.
Analysts said Brown is fiery and scrappy, while Tatum is more reticent.
The roster is new, younger, and scrappier, indicating a shift toward Brown’s leadership.

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Celtics Lose

The Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round after blowing a 3-1 lead.
Boston finished 56-26, earning the No. 2 Eastern seed, far above the projected 45 wins.
Brett Siegel reported the Celtics will not trade Jayson Tatum because he is the franchise’s face.
Jaylen Brown posted career-high points and rebounds and became a surprise MVP candidate.
The team said Brown’s door remains open despite trade rumors.

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