Green With Envy: A Boston Celtics Podcast

Episode: Jaylen's MVP Moment, Ugo's Rise, and our "Naughty or Nice" List
Date: December 23, 2025
Hosts: Will and Greg
Guests: Featuring mentions of Mike Gorman, Drew Carter, Amina Smith, Dana Barros, and more

Episode Overview

This special holiday edition delves into the Boston Celtics’ spirited three-game winning streak, analyzing key performances, especially Jaylen Brown’s “MVP moment” and the breakout contributions of rookie Ugo Gonzalez. With festive banter and classic fan energy, Will and Greg reflect on the team’s “something special in the air” vibe as the Celtics search for Banner 19. The episode is themed around their “Naughty or Nice” 2025 list, grading NBA figures, teams, and trends, all through a Celtics-centric lens.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jaylen Brown's MVP Moment

• Post-Pacers Comeback: Jaylen Brown led a major second-half rally, scoring 31 points and grabbing 9 “loud” rebounds to overturn a 22-point deficit ([03:28], [04:55]).
  • Will: “He played like an MVP tonight… He’s so in control right now this season, it’s really putting him on another level.” [04:55]
• MVP Chants in TD Garden: The crowd’s eruption affirmed the fanbase’s recognition of Jaylen’s leadership and performance.
• Maturity & Patience: Both hosts note how Brown’s ability to play under control and within the flow has matured significantly.
  • Will: “There’s a couple of times in this game where you could have thought of … a previous version of JB… He’s so in control right now this season.” [04:55]
• Stat Bump: Since Greg called JB out on rebounding early in the year, Brown is now averaging over seven rebounds per game ([03:28]).

2. Ugo Gonzalez’s Ascension

• Rookie of the Moment: The 19-year-old rookie’s relentless energy, IQ, and defensive hustle have made him indispensable.
  • Greg: “Everything he does on the court is additive. If he ever can hit that corner three…” [09:51]
  • Will: “He’s hitting every benchmark… This is a Tommy Award guy.” [08:24]
• Stats & Impact:
  • Last 3 games: 26 points, 30+ rebounds, 9 “stocks” (steals + blocks). ([12:03])
  • Significant bench minutes, heavy rebounding, and momentum plays.
• Intangibles: Ugo’s caring reaction to mistakes and self-awareness endears him to fans and teammates alike ([08:24]).

3. Role Players & Bench Impact

• Luka Garza’s Resurgence: After being “banished,” Garza returns with major rebounding impact (14:10).
  • Greg: “The moment he got his chance again, he was like, you’re not taking me off this court.” [13:08]
• Baylor Shireman & Other Young Wings: The Celtics’ young core (Walsh, Minot, Shireman, Ugo) rotate in impact, giving the team flexibility and upside ([31:12]).

4. Team Chemistry & Missoula’s Coaching

• Bench Buy-In: Celtics’ stars responded with enthusiasm and support even when benched during a poor third quarter ([18:12]).
  • Greg: “Every single one of those dudes, … they were there cheering on their teammates.” [18:12]
• ‘Brad Stevens Era’ Vibes: The hosts compare the current team’s energy and resilience to Celtics teams of the mid-2010s: “Something’s in the air, man… feeling special.” [06:58]
• Joe Mazzulla’s Growth: Will admits he doubted Missoula but is now converted (“Shame on me for waiting for Missoula to fail. It’s just not happening.” [50:16]), citing improved lineup management and flexibility.

5. Around the League Observations

• Trend: Superstar Sixth Men
  • Greg proposes—inspired by Wemby and Zion coming off the bench—that Celtics might even bring Tatum back this way post-injury ([23:46]).
    • “There’s precedent now, Jason Tatum… I think the Celtics should at least consider bringing Jason Tatum off the bench as the sixth man.” [23:46]
  • Also suggests it for other stars: LeBron, Embiid, Trey Young, Kawhi ([28:52]).
• Thunder’s Draft Mastery & Clippers Critique: Will slams the Clippers (“be better guys”), worrying about OKC getting even more draft windfalls due to L.A.’s incompetence ([35:51]).
• Anthony Edwards vs. SGA: Greg celebrates Ant outplaying SGA and pushing back against the “superstar untouchable” narrative ([41:26]).

Memorable Quotes

• Greg on Ugo: “Everything that he does on the court is additive. And if he ever can hit that corner three at like a 40% level… oh, the crowd is about to pop.” [09:51]
• Will on Jaylen Brown: “He’s so in control right now this season. It’s really putting him on another level.” [04:55]
• Greg on Team Chemistry: “Those dudes weren’t sulking. They were there cheering on their teammates. Jaylen Brown’s up there like, rah rah of all the rah rah guys.” [18:12]
• Will on Missoula: “Shame on me for just waiting. I’ve been waiting all season for Joe Missoula to fail. Not that I wanted it… It’s just not happening.” [50:16]
• Greg on Anthony Edwards: “Such a fun personality… [he] was just snarling at [SGA] like, ‘I’m him. I got this.’” [42:02]

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [01:01] – Episode Introduction and Celtics’ three-game win streak recap
• [02:44] – Reaction to Jaylen Brown’s MVP chant and late game heroics
• [07:24] – Ugo Gonzalez’s emergence as a staple in the starting lineup
• [13:08] – Luka Garza’s hustle and return to regular minutes
• [17:07] – What makes this team feel ‘special’
• [18:12] – Team buy-in and bench energy, reminiscent of Brad Stevens era
• [23:46] – “Naughty or Nice” List Segment Begins: NBA trends & team critiques
• [23:46-28:07] – Superstar Sixth Men Concept & Tatum speculation
• [31:12] – Celtics Young Wings power rankings
• [35:51] – Naughty List: Clippers roast, Thunder’s prowess
• [36:13] – Naughty List: Celtics fans not buying in on Jaylen Brown
• [41:26] – Nice List: Anthony Edwards outplays SGA—signature moment
• [43:40] – Nice List: Celtics owner Bill Chisholm lauded
• [46:08] – Greg’s Naughty List: Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul
• [50:16] – Will’s Naughty List: Himself, for doubting Missoula
• [53:13] – Brief personal/holiday updates and Brushy Brushy anecdote
• [56:50] – Holiday sign off & audience appreciation

The “Naughty or Nice” Holiday List Highlights

Nice List:

• Turning injury-prone stars into sixth men (Wemby, Zion; maybe even Tatum)
• Celtics’ young wings (Ugo, Walsh, Minot, Shireman)
• Anthony Edwards’ signature game vs. SGA
• Celtics owner Bill Chisholm: positive energy, supportive presence

Naughty List:

• L.A. Clippers: Underwhelming, boosting OKC’s picks
• Celtics fans not embracing Jaylen Brown as MVP-favorite
• Anthony Joshua (tongue-in-cheek for battering Jake Paul)
• Will for doubting Missoula

Tone, Style & Podcast Energy

The episode is lively, fan-centric, analytical yet irreverent. Will and Greg blend humor, detailed breakdowns, and affectionate Celtics Homerism with an openness to praise around the league (e.g., SGA, Ant Edwards). The “Naughty or Nice” bit keeps the holiday spirit rolling while still fostering organic deep dives into the team’s present and future.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode offers:

• In-depth fan analysis of Jaylen Brown’s MVP leap and Ugo Gonzalez’s emergence
• Praise for Celtics’ chemistry and Missoula’s innovative coaching (with a holiday-themed twist)
• Witty banter and thoughtful rankings of young wings
• Broader NBA observations: coaching trends, roster management, and star narrative shifts
• Love for the loyal Green With Envy audience—plus a classic Brushy Brush childhood anecdote to end the show on a sweet note

Bottom Line:
The Celtics are fun, ascending, and “something special is in the air.” The hosts’ blend of detailed breakdown and Boston-fan camaraderie makes this a perfect warm listen for fans during the holidays.