The Celtics beat the 76ers 123-101 in the first matchup between former teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown since Brown’s offseason trade to Philadelphia. Tatum scored 21 points, but Paul George stole the show with 36 as Boston pulled away late and took over first place in the Eastern Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Boston won 123-101.
  • George scored 36 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 6-of-11 from 3-point range.
  • Tatum had 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks; Brown finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 turnovers.
  • The Celtics improved to 9-2; the 76ers fell to 9-3.
Yes, But

Brown’s pregame refusal to greet Tatum fueled talk of a feud, though Tatum has said there’s no animosity. Brown has acknowledged tension, but both players framed the matchup around competing and winning.

State of Play
  • Boston seized control after Philadelphia erased a 13-point third-quarter deficit to tie the game at 76.
  • George’s 3-point shooting helped the Celtics build a lead of as many as 25.
  • The win moved Boston ahead of Philadelphia for the East’s best record.
Bottom Line

The pregame snub set the tone, but Boston’s depth and late-game shooting decided the first chapter of this rivalry matchup.