Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown recently raised eyebrows by labeling the 2025-26 season as his “favorite.” However, his statement should come as no surprise to those who paid attention throughout the campaign.
Brown called it his “favorite season” during a Twitch stream one day after the Celtics blew a 3-1 first-round series lead to the Philadelphia 76ers. He doubled down on his remarks during another stream on Wednesday night.
“You got to see all of these guys, all of my teammates, grow,” Brown said. “I got to see them overcome adversity as a group, up close and personal. … Obviously, we’re not satisfied with the result. If it sounds like an excuse, it’s not. But to fight and maneuver through adversity and grow, and galvanize with a bunch of guys and to have that mindset and approach, this was my favorite year.
“I wouldn’t say by far. By far would be a stretch because obviously winning the championship is great. But I’m telling y’all, this was my favorite season.”
Understandably, Brown calling it his favorite season immediately after Boston’s collapse didn’t sit well with many fans. Plus, one would think that hanging Banner 18 at TD Garden would trump a first-round exit, especially when star teammate Jayson Tatum missed most of the season and Game 7 due to injuries.
But Brown made similar statements on several occasions before his postseason Twitch streams. Throughout the campaign, the 10-year veteran spoke glowingly about the Celtics’ supporting cast blossoming and the team exceeding its preseason “gap year” expectations. He called it his “favorite season” as early as December.
Brown’s messaging has been consistent all season long. Here’s a look back at some of his most noteworthy quotes that show why he considers the 2025-26 season the “favorite” of his illustrious career:
Dec. 22, 2025: ‘Favorite season so far’
Brown called it his “favorite season so far” after leading the Celtics to a 20-point comeback win over the Indiana Pacers. Boston improved to 18-11 with 13 wins in its last 17 games.
“I think this has been my favorite season so far,” he said. “Being able to get the opportunity to lead a group of guys who – some of us, we have some championship experience, but we have five or six new guys who haven’t really played NBA basketball. And now, we look like one of the better teams in the league.
“That’s just credit to our coaching staff and credit to our leadership that we’ve been able to get those guys comfortable, and we’re playing some good basketball right now. So it means everything.”
Jan. 21, 2026: Brown praises Celtics’ ‘resiliency’
One month after his first “favorite season” declaration, Brown raved about the Celtics’ resiliency as the second-place team in the East without Jayson Tatum.
“Very resilient, very tough,” he said. “Start of the season, the expectations weren’t high. But these guys, they came in and worked day in and day out. Last year, we were second in the East. We’re halfway through the season and we’re second in the East.
“That’s just a testament to the work ethic, the resiliency of our head coach, of our leadership. It’s a testament to where we are right now.”
Jaylen Brown discusses the team’s resiliency this season and why it’s been such an important factor in their success on the court.
Feb. 12, 2026: First-half comparison
During the All-Star break, Brown took to social media to compare the team’s 2025-26 first-half numbers with those from 2024-25. Boston’s record, seeding, offensive rating, and defensive rating were eerily similar to the previous year.
“I’m proud of this group and staff/office,” he wrote on X. “Looking forward to 2nd half go C’s.”
Feb. 16, 2026: Brown ‘extremely proud’ of Celtics’ season
Brown couldn’t help but smile while speaking about his team’s surprising success at the All-Star break. Boston entered the break with a 35-19 record.
“To see them finding their ground, their footing, and playing well – as a leader, I can’t tell you how much that means to me, to see those guys kind of starting to flourish on their own,” he said of the Celtics’ supporting cast. “Before, when the season started, there was uncertainty.
“I’m proud. I don’t know what to tell ya’ll, I’m extremely proud of our group, where we’re at right now. Second in the East versus how many players (we lost) and everything that was being said, the gap year, and for us to be sitting here at the All-Star break and having our guys feeling like we could even be better, I’m proud, bro. It’s been great, it’s been fun.”
March 30, 2026: So much for a “gap year”
With Tatum back in the fold, the Celtics beat the Charlotte Hornets on March 29 for their 50th win of the season. Few expected Boston to accomplish that feat during what was expected to be a “gap year” with Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury.
“50 wins in a gap year,” Brown wrote on X after win No. 50.
April 12, 2026: More love for the bench guys
With the No. 2 seed in the East locked up, the Celtics’ second unit got a chance to shine in the regular-season finale against the fully healthy Orlando Magic. Boston earned a 113-108 victory in arguably the most entertaining game of the season, with Baylor Scheierman (30 points), Ron Harper Jr. (27 points), and Luka Garza (27 points) each having memorable performances.
Brown, who often credited the role players for making it his “favorite season,” took to social media with a simple message after the thrilling win.
“I love this team.”
May 2, 2026: A ‘great season’ despite Game 7 loss
Brown didn’t hang his head after the Celtics blew a 3-1 series lead to the 76ers. Instead, he called the 2025-26 campaign “probably one of my most fun years playing basketball,” while once again mentioning the growth of his teammates.
“It was a great season. I’m proud of my teammates and just their growth,” Brown said after Game 7. “I’m so grateful to be with this group. This group is awesome. I had a fun year. This is probably one of my most fun years playing basketball.”
