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• Updated May 7, 2026 at 7:50pm

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 25: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Thunder 119-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

NBA reporter Stephen A Smith did not take kindly to Jaylen Brown’s criticism to him and had a bold response today. The drama started a few days back when Smith claimed that Brown was looking terrible for his Twitch stream rants about NBA officiating just days after getting eliminated in the NBA Playoffs. Brown’s Boston Celtics blew a 3-1 series lead to the lower seed Philadelphia 76ers, and Smith called him out for talking too much after losing.

Today’s updates saw Brown saying that Smith needs to give the people what they want and retire soon. Smith didn’t waste any time coming back with a response via Twitter:

“Bro, I got love for you so I’m not going to even go there. Folks are looking out for you and you don’t even realize it. Here you are making this kind of noise and it hasn’t even been a week since you lost a 3-1 lead. You’re HOME. A champion and a Finals MVP saying his favorite season is the season he’s home in the FIRST ROUND. This is not about ME. It’s about YOU….and what YOU SAID. Enjoy your offseason.”

Smith called out Brown’s disappointing exit and his other comments talking about this being his favorite season yet. Brown rating this season above the year Boston won the NBA Championship was also questioned by Smith for showing a selfish mindset.

Why Jaylen Brown Criticized Stephen A Smith

Brown just likes to give his honest thoughts with fans on his Twitch stream for better or worse. The regular season featured some moments of Brown making headlines for sharing too much and creating news.

Smith felt streaming days after an embarrassing elimination to pass blame to officials was a low move by Brown and didn’t show enough accountability for his performances. Brown talked about loving this season due to his increased role and overachieving success against low expectations.

The commentary from Smith questioned whether Brown is jealous of Jayson Tatum and wants to experience individual success more than team success. Smith’s First Take talk show turns daily stories into 20-minute debates. Brown didn’t appreciate his comments being harshly against him and called out a lot of critics wanting Smith to retire.

How Stephen A Smith Views Jaylen Brown

The wild twist about this beef is that Smith was one of Brown’s top supporters throughout the season. Smith tried to elevate Brown into the true MVP debate with names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic in the upper echelon.

Brown’s playoff performance and elimination were called out by Smith, but things didn’t escalate until the Twitch stream. Smith started criticizing Brown for talking too much and overly sharing his unfiltered thoughts about refereeing in the NBA today.

However, many NBA players dislike Smith’s brash style of using their comments or on-court performances to create hot takes and debates. Brown clearly didn’t appreciate it and made it clear that he’s not friendly with Smith. Both men have stood their ground and defended their stances in a war of words that will likely continue in the future.