Jaylen Brown Ties Larry Bird’s Legendary Celtics Record with Epic 30-Point Streak
On December 28, 2025, in a hard-fought road game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown etched his name alongside one of the franchise’s all-time greats: Larry Bird. With a dominant 37-point performance, Brown extended his streak to nine consecutive games scoring 30 or more points, tying Bird’s longstanding Celtics record for the longest such run in team history.
Despite Brown’s heroic effort—scoring 27 of his 37 points in the first half alone—the Celtics fell 114-108, snapping a four-game win streak due to late turnovers and struggles from the supporting cast. Brown, however, was unstoppable, shooting 14-of-24 from the field while adding seven rebounds and four assists. He reached the 30-point mark early in the third quarter on a free throw, officially matching Bird’s mark set back in the 1984-85 season.
This streak has been nothing short of insane. Brown’s run began earlier in December, and he’s averaged over 32 points per game during it, carrying a heavy load as the Celtics’ primary option amid Jayson Tatum’s season-long absence due to injury. In the Blazers game, he exploded for 13 points in the first quarter and kept pouring it on, including a buzzer-beating step-back three to end the first half.
The Game Breakdown: Brown’s Mastery vs. Portland
The matchup at Moda Center was billed as a chance for Brown to chase history, and he delivered early. Facing a young, scrappy Blazers team, Brown attacked relentlessly:
- First Half Dominance: 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting, keeping Boston ahead 63-55 at halftime.
- Key Moments: A tough layup in traffic not only pushed his scoring total but also moved him past Bill Sharman into 12th place on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list.
- Full Stat Line: 37 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists in 37 minutes.
Portland’s defense threw multiple looks at him, including rookie sensation Donovan Clingan (who had 18 points and 18 rebounds himself), but Brown sliced through for mid-range jumpers, drives, and timely threes.
Unfortunately for Boston, the team committed 19 turnovers, including crucial ones late, allowing Portland to pull away. Players like Deni Avdija (24 points, 10 assists) and Shaedon Sharpe (26 points) capitalized.
Comparing to Larry Bird’s Record
Larry Bird’s nine-game streak came during the 1984-85 season, a year where he averaged nearly 29 points en route to another MVP award. His run culminated on March 3, 1985, with 30 points in a win over Detroit—ironically overshadowed by Kevin McHale’s then-franchise-record 56 points that same night. Bird, of course, later topped that with his iconic 60-point explosion against Atlanta.
Brown joining Bird in this exclusive club is remarkable. No other Celtic has reached nine straight 30-point games—not Paul Pierce (whose longest was seven), not John Havlicek, not even recent stars like Tatum (who tied a different Bird scoring mark in 2021). It’s a testament to Brown’s evolution into a premier scorer, especially in a season where he’s averaging a career-high around 29-30 points overall.
The Streak in Detail
Here’s a quick look at Brown’s nine-game run (approximate based on reports):
1-8. Games leading up: Consistent 30+ outbursts, including multiple 30-point wins. 9. vs. Portland: 37 points in a loss.
During the streak, the Celtics went 6-3, with Brown often willing them to victory through sheer scoring volume. He’s hit 30+ in 12 of his last 13 games overall, showcasing elite efficiency and aggression.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised the difficulty: “It’s extremely difficult… and even harder to play balanced, team basketball while doing it.”
Brown himself downplayed the milestone post-game, frustrated by the loss: “Tonight was a winnable game that we dropped.”
What’s Next: Chance to Break the Record
The Celtics continue their road trip on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz—a team they’ve already lost to once this season. Brown will have the opportunity to break Bird’s record outright with a 10th straight 30-point game. Given his form and Utah’s defensive vulnerabilities, it’s very much in play.
This streak has solidified Brown as an MVP candidate in a season where he’s stepped up massively without Tatum. At 29 years old, in his prime, Brown’s blend of athleticism, mid-range mastery, and improved playmaking has him playing at an All-NBA level.
In a franchise loaded with legends—Russell, Cousy, Havlicek, Pierce, Garnett—tying Larry Legend in this way is special. If Brown keeps this up, he might not just tie records; he could start setting new ones.
The NBA world is watching. Will JB make it 10 straight? Celtics fans certainly hope so.
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