PHILADELPHIA — The 2026-27 NBA season is still in its infancy, so the games don't carry quite as much weight as they will in April, May, and June. But, Tuesday night's meeting between the Boston Celtics and rival Philadelphia 76ers was jam-packed with emotions, giving it a playoff atmosphere in the middle of November.
Most of this buildup began in the offseason, as the C's shockingly traded star guard Jaylen Brown to the Sixers in exchange for veteran wing Paul George and a few picks. Brown, who was the longest-tenured Celtic at the time of the deal, was obviously upset by the stunning move. And based on some of his activity on social media, he also seems upset that Tatum, his old partner in crime, didn't prevent the trade from happening. Then
the new season finally started, and Brown took a few shots at his ex-teammate on Instagram and in front of the media. However, Tatum looked willing to forget the aforementioned saga when he approached Brown just seconds before tipoff on Tuesday evening.
A bit of an awkward dap up for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But LeBron James brings it in with Tatum: pic.twitter.com/vgkgqRWaVs
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) November 11, 2026
The Celtics star performed his usual routine by the sidelines, dapped up Sixers star Joel Embiid, and then advanced towards Brown for a hug. Yet, the former Green Teamer didn't budge, spinning the ball on his finger while Tatum had to walk away following the failed greeting.
"No headlines about anything like that," Tatum said of the awkward encounter at the podium. "I was just getting ready for the game, ready for jump ball, go out there and compete, have some fun, and try to get a win.”
In some ways, this moment encapsulated each star's approach to the marquee matchup. Tatum appeared ready to let bygones be bygones and move past controversy. Brown, whether he meant to or not, fanned the flames of the supposed beef when he ignored Tatum, perhaps revealing that he was still somewhat occupied with the aforementioned drama rather than the imminent game.
Brown played like he was distracted, too. The five-time All-Star got into early foul trouble, recorded a team-high 4 turnovers, and held the worst plus-minus rating of the night (minus-27). Meanwhile, Tatum settled into the game and dropped 21 points — 8 more than Brown — en route to a 123-101 victory for the Celtics.
Neither star was at their best, but Tatum played more composed, led the C's in assists, and found George at all the right times. That includes when Brown went to double-team Tatum about halfway through the fourth quarter, leaving George completely alone for an easy 3-pointer. This mistake made the score 111-87, virtually sealing the win, and was George's final triple of the evening. He finished with a game-high 36 points on blistering 63.6 shooting from the floor.
"Listen, it’s not about that," Tatum replied when asked about Brown's cold shoulder. "Tonight was a good team win. PG was incredible. That’s all that there really is to talk about.”
Could Tatum have fired back at Brown after the blowout? Sure.
There was no victory lapping, though. Instead, the tenth-year Celtic emphasized that an emotionally-charged win doesn't trump an ordinary win, which is an important reminder before the Green Team travels to Canada to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back.
"Tomorrow's game counts the same as today's game," Tatum stated. "They all count as one, and just trying to stay present, stay in the moment, and don't worry about anything else."
Because the Celtics were less than a game behind the previously first-place Sixers heading into Tuesday night's showdown, they now hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Once again, this (along with the besting of Brown) should give Tatum plenty of reasons to gloat, but he remained even-keeled, a perspective he said that he inherits from his mom.
"I've been this way since I was a kid," he explained. "Never too high, never too low."
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Jayson Tatum focuses on Paul George, Celtics win rather than Jaylen Brown beef
