Jayson Tatum scored 21 points as the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123–101 on Tuesday, winning Jaylen Brown’s first game against his former team since his summer trade.

Paul George led Boston with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, according to The Guardian’s report, credited to its staff and agencies. George moved to the Celtics in the trade for Brown after two seasons with the 76ers.

Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, finished with 13 points and four turnovers after encountering early foul trouble. The result gave Boston its ninth victory in 10 games and a 9–2 record. Philadelphia fell to 9–3 but remained second in the Eastern Conference behind the Celtics.

The meeting drew attention beyond the score because of scrutiny surrounding Brown’s relationship with Tatum. The two were longtime teammates and won an NBA championship together in Boston.

The Guardian’s account described Tatum tapping Brown on the shoulder and chest before the opening tip, with Brown not responding. Neither player offered much explanation afterward.

“No headlines about anything like that,” Tatum said. “I was just getting ready for the game, ready for jump ball, go out there, compete, have some fun and try to get a win.”

Brown also kept his response focused on basketball.

“I’m just focused on doing what’s best for my team,” he said. “Everything else was just, to be honest, I wasn’t paying attention, but credit to Jayson; he played well tonight.”

George helped put the game out of Philadelphia’s reach. His fourth three-pointer gave Boston a 100–82 lead.

The Sixers also had a worrying moment when Joel Embiid landed awkwardly on a missed layup and went down on the court. He subsequently ran gingerly down the floor and was hunched over at the halftime horn, with Boston leading 62–51.

Philadelphia has been keeping Embiid out of back-to-back games. The two-time NBA scoring champion has also struggled with his shooting this season, including a two-point outing in Cleveland the previous Friday, when he missed all nine of his field-goal attempts.

Sources