Celtics beat 76ers 123-101 in Tatum‑Brown reunion

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 on Tuesday in a matchup that marked the first meeting between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown since their trade. The game also featured the return of Paul George to Philadelphia after two years with the Sixers.

Paul George led the Celtics with 36 points and five rebounds, hitting six 3-pointers. Jayson Tatum scored 21 points and outplayed his former teammate, while the Celtics established a 16-point lead early in the contest through their 3-point shooting.

For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey recorded 24 points and four assists. Joel Embiid contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while LeBron James finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Jaylen Brown added 13 points and five rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe provided eight points, five rebounds, and four assists. Dean Wade added eight points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Head coach Nick Nurse faces pressure following the offseason additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, as the 76ers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with championship expectations. BetOnline lists Nurse as the favorite to become the first NBA head coach fired this season at +400 odds. The team must balance the playmaking responsibilities of James with the scoring ability of Maxey while incorporating Brown alongside the existing core.