Stephen A. Smith and Jaylen Brown are going head-to-head after the Celtics star made surprising comments about Boston’s disappointing season.
Following the team’s first-round playoff exit against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brown called the 2025-26 campaign his “favorite year,” despite the fact that the Celtics became the first team in franchise history to lose a playoff series after leading 3-1.
Smith addressed the comments on Thursday on First Take and did not hold back.
“You got knocked out in the first round,” Smith said while reacting to Brown’s remarks. “Three games at home. Three games at home.”
The sports analyst also questioned how Brown could describe the season so positively after Boston’s collapse, especially after winning an NBA title and Finals MVP honors just two seasons earlier.
Stephen A. Smith on Jaylen Brown:
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 7, 2026
"He needs to be quiet… unless you're trying to get traded."
Jaylen Brown’s response:
“I’ll “be quiet” / stop streaming if you “be quiet” and retire let’s give the people what they want”
pic.twitter.com/BLbayOA61Z
“The first order of business is that he needs to be quiet and… go on vacation unless you’re trying to get traded,” Smith said.
Brown later responded to Smith directly on X.
“I’ll ‘be quiet’ / stop streaming if you ‘be quiet’ and retire let’s give the people what they want,” Brown wrote.
Smith rclapped back hours later, saying Brown was missing the bigger issue with his comments.
“Folks are looking out for you and you don’t even realize it,” Smith posted. “A champion and a Finals MVP saying his favorite season is the season he’s home in the FIRST ROUND.”