Brown Snubs Tatum Greeting as Paul George Powers Celtics Past 76ers

The most talked-about moment of the night came before the opening tip. Jayson Tatum reached out to Jaylen Brown and got nothing back. Then the Celtics took over, with Paul George scoring 36 points in a 123-101 rout of the 76ers in Philadelphia.

A Frosty Moment Before the Opening Tip

Tatum tried to dap up Brown with a tap on the shoulder and a thump on the chest. Brown ignored it. Moments later, Tatum shook hands and shared a big hug with LeBron James.

The interaction fueled the scrutiny around a relationship that has been under the microscope for months. Brown and Tatum won an NBA championship together in Boston, but their personal falling-out ended one of the league’s most dynamic duos.

Neither player said much ahead of the game. Peacock, which streamed it, sold the matchup like an old-school heavyweight fight, promoting it as “Jaylen Brown v Jayson Tatum. For the first time ever.”

Tatum and Brown Keep It Short After the Game

Neither player added much afterward. Tatum played down the pregame exchange.

“No headlines about anything like that. 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.” – Jayson Tatum

Brown also kept his answer short and gave credit to his old teammate.

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

Last month, Brown said there was “no beef” between the two. He also added that “there might be a little lamb chops and some gravy,” and that Tatum “should stay ready at all times.”

Tatum Wins the Head-to-Head

On the court, Tatum came out ahead. He scored 21 points and outplayed Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, who was traded to the Sixers over the summer.

Brown ran into early foul trouble and finished with just 13 points and four turnovers. It was his first game against Boston since the trade.

George Enjoys the Homecoming

George was traded for Brown after two seasons with the 76ers, and he made the most of his return to Philadelphia. He sank his fourth three-pointer of the game to put Boston up 100-82.

He then appeared to give the finger in a bowling motion near the visitors’ bench. The lead pushed the Celtics to their ninth win in 10 games.

Embiid Scare Adds to the Sixers’ Night

Philadelphia had a scare late in the first half when Joel Embiid landed awkwardly on a missed layup attempt. He curled up on the floor while VJ Edgecombe dunked over him.

Embiid ran down the court gingerly and hunched over as the halftime horn sounded, with Boston leading 62-51. His health has been a career-long issue, and the Sixers have declined to play him in back-to-back games.

The two-time NBA scoring champion has also struggled with his shot this season. His worst game came last Friday in Cleveland, where he missed all nine shots and scored only two points.

Standings Snapshot

Despite the loss, the 76ers are still in good form. They are second in the East at 9-3, behind only the 9-2 Celtics.

What Comes Next

The first Brown-Tatum meeting is done, but the story is far from over. With both teams near the top of the East and the relationship still under scrutiny, expect every future meeting to carry the same intensity.