Overview
- The NBA named Jalen Brunson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the December Players of the Month on Jan. 2, prompting Brown to post "Smh" and later say on Twitch that neither had a better month than he did.
- Brown averaged 31.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 10 December games, with nine straight 30-point outings that tied Larry Bird’s franchise streak.
- Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla backed Brown’s stance before the Clippers game, saying he believed Brown should have won and hoped he would take it out on opponents.
- Brown matched his career high with 50 points on 18-of-26 shooting (6-of-10 from three) in a 146-115 win at the Clippers, capping a 4-1 road trip and ending Los Angeles’ six-game streak.
- Reporting around the award decision highlighted Brunson’s additional December games and his NBA Cup title and MVP as likely factors in his selection over Brown.