Can you believe Tatum’s dominance? He poured in 21 points and outshone former teammate Jaylen Brown, while Paul George nailed six threes for 36 on his Philly return, steering Boston to a 123-101 win.
Brown hit early foul trouble, managing just 13 points in his first meeting with Boston since the 2024 Finals MVP was dealt to Philadelphia. Their much‑talked‑about showdown arrived with both stars keeping comments to a minimum.
Before the tip‑off Tatum reached for Brown with a shoulder tap and a chest pat, which the former teammate ignored. He then shook hands and shared a big hug with LeBron James.
Brown collected two quick fouls in the opening quarter and was called for a fourth early in the second half.
George, acquired for Brown after two seasons in Philly, relished the homecoming and, after sinking his fourth triple to push the lead to 100-82, flashed a bowling‑hand gesture toward the visitors’ bench.
The Sixers escaped a late second‑half scare when Joel Embiid landed awkwardly on a missed layup, curling up as VJ Edgecombe slammed over him.
Embiid limped down the floor, hunched over as the halftime buzzer sounded with Boston leading 62-51.
Injuries have dogged Embiid all career, prompting Philly to skip back‑to‑back games. The two‑time scoring champion has struggled this season, worst outing coming Friday in Cleveland when he missed all nine attempts and scored just two points.
He entered the game having missed 27 of 30 three‑pointers, including 20 straight. Embiid missed two threes in the first half but opened the second with his first triple since the season’s second game.
Tyrese Maxey topped Philadelphia with 24 points.
No love lost for Brown as the Celtics’ new hierarchy dominates.
Brown didn’t appreciate Tatum’s brief show of affection, a telling sign of the icy dynamic that’s left the two All‑Stars silent since the summer trade.
Tatum posted 21 points and outplayed Brown, while George—sent to Boston for Brown—stealed the spotlight, dropping 14 straight points in the fourth and converting six of the Celtics’ 22 triples. For my money, the Celtics are the team to watch this season.
“No headlines about anything like that,” Tatum said. “I was just getting ready for the game, jump ball, compete, have fun and try to win.”
Brown hit early foul trouble and managed only 13 points in his first Boston game since the 2024 Finals MVP was dealt. He racked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and a fourth early in the second half.
Brown refused to comment on his brush‑off with Tatum.
“I’m just focused on doing what’s best for my team,” Brown said. “Everything else was, to be honest, I wasn’t paying attention.”