Chemistry, communication, and carpooling: How Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis found their flow on and off the court

How Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis discovered their groove both on and off the court: chemistry, communication, and carpooling.

Our ability to get along off the court helps us, in my opinion, in terms of communication and not taking things personally.

On October 30, 2023, in Washington, DC, during the fourth quarter of the Washington Wizards game at Capital One Arena, Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown are sitting on the bench. (Image via Getty Images/Greg Fiume))

The close relationship between Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis is obvious to the untrained eye.

“Our games really just complement each other,” Brown stated at the View From The Rafters podcast taping on Tuesday.

Few would believe that just eight months ago, the pair—now lovingly referred to as “Cookies and Cream” by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla—were complete strangers. The two disclosed that their camaraderie started during the summer when Porzingis took Brown’s seat on the team jet.

For the past four years or so, I’ve been sitting in the same seat on the plane,” Brown remarked. “KP enters and says, ‘That’s my seat, brother, brother, brother.'”

Brown put up a little of a struggle before deciding to move over a seat in an attempt to make his new partner feel at ease.

“Whoever gets here, sits in that seat first,” was Brown’s initial reaction, according to Porzingis.

However, their new seating arrangement benefited them all. According to Porzingis, the two players’ friendship developed “naturally” as their communication increased. The two ultimately started taking turns driving to practices and games because they reside in the same apartment complex.

“Normally, I’ll have my car serviced, but if you want to save a few bucks, just take KP to work,” Brown said.

Normally I’ll have my car serviced, but if you want to save a few bucks, just take KP to work,” Brown said.

The podcast’s back-and-forth conversation highlights the incredible chemistry between the two players that Celtics supporters witness on the floor. Their ability to read each other’s offensive plays, similar tempos, and mutual grasp of the game have made them a formidable menace to opposing teams.

“You know, teams find it difficult, especially when I’m trying to get downhill, because he’s a great shooter and a lob threat,” Brown remarked.

Porzingis responded that he can communicate with Brown in a different way during practice and games than he can with other players when asked how their friendship off the court affects their play.

Because we get along well off the court, I think it helps us speak with each other and not take things personally, according to Porzingis. We have an advantage there because of our relationship outside of the court.

Porzingis’s availability for Tuesday’s game against the Nets is uncertain because of a lower back injury. It’s 7:30 p.m. when the Celtics play in Brooklyn.