For as much as All-Star Weekend is built around highlights and headlines, it also serves as a snapshot of where the league’s biggest stars stand in-the-moment.

And for Jaylen Brown, Sunday night in Los Angeles felt like another reminder that his place is firmly among the NBA’s elite - not just as a participant, but as a tone-setter for a Boston team (35-19) with real championship ambitions.

The box score won’t scream dominance, but Brown’s presence across the three-game mini tournament told a familiar story for anyone who has watched his evolution this season.

He opened the night with 11 points and 3 rebounds on 5 of 9 shooting in a tight win over Team Stars, followed by a defensive-focused outing against Team World that included a steal and two blocks, before a tougher shooting performance in the title game.

It was a mixed statistical night, sure, but zoom out and it fits neatly into the broader arc of Brown’s year - one defined less by single-game explosions and more by consistency, versatility, and a growing comfort as one of the league’s most complete wings.

Around him, the night had plenty of star power.

Team Stars - led by the electric Anthony Edwards - ultimately cruised to a 47-21 win in the championship game, with Edwards taking home MVP honors. Earlier, Kawhi Leonard put together a vintage scoring performance, while Victor Wembanyama brought a level of intensity that players across both teams credited postgame for helping keep the competition sharp.

But from a Celtics perspective, the weekend was less about the final score and more about what Brown’s continued growth represents heading into the stretch run.

Over the last few months, we’ve talked a lot about how Brown has expanded his game - the improved decision-making, the defensive flexibility, the ability to slide between roles depending on what Boston needs on a given night. Being named an All-Star starter for the first time felt like validation of that growth, and his steady presence Sunday only reinforced it.

Now the focus shifts back to the games that matter most.

Boston enters the second half of the season near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, with optimism building around the potential return of Jayson Tatum in the coming weeks. Brown’s ability to carry a larger share of the load during Tatum’s absence has been one of the defining reasons the Celtics have maintained their position - and why their ceiling still feels as high as anyone’s when fully healthy.

The break provided a moment to recharge, but it also served as a reminder of the level Boston’s co-star is playing at right now.

Next up is a road matchup with the Golden State Warriors, and with the playoff push looming, Brown’s trajectory will remain one of the biggest storylines to watch.

If this season has shown anything, it’s that he’s no longer just part of the conversation - he’s helping drive it.

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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.