“I hold no grudges,” Tatum said. “Since he’s left Boston, the talk hasn’t focused on our titles, the games we won, the championship, or our growth. Instead it’s turned into drama.”
Tatum told reporters he called and texted Brown on trade day, adding, “At this stage we’re too grown‑up for our relationship to be dissected online.” He also laughed, “This isn’t a Shaq‑Kobe feud. No beef.” His calm response shows real leadership.
Brown quipped, “His PR team’s on point. No beef… maybe just lamb chops and gravy.” He smiled, keeping the tone light.
More from Philly: Fans are waiting for the next update.
- With another matchup Sunday night, LeBron James missed his first game since joining the Sixers, according to Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required). The team cited lower‑back and sciatica concerns, and at 41 he’s unlikely to log back‑to‑backs this year. Dean Wade, nursing an ankle, debuted Saturday and took James’s spot in the starting five.
- James’s absence pushed Joel Embiid into a bigger playmaking role, and he recorded the 11th triple‑double of his career, Mizell reports. Embiid logged 36 minutes, so he may sit Sunday, though coach Nick Nurse hasn’t confirmed. After the game Embiid urged reporters, relayed by Kris Rhim of ESPN, “I actually want to play tomorrow. Can you pressure them?”
- Small‑ball center Jabari Walker left in the third and didn’t return, Rhim notes. Nurse said Walker “tweaked” his left knee but gave no further details. Will his health dictate his role moving forward?