Boston Celtics edge 76ers as Tatum outduels Brown

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Jayson Tatum scored 21 points and outplayed former Boston teammate Jaylen Brown, and Paul George hit six three-pointers and scored 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, leading the Celtics past the 76ers, 123-101, on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). Brown ran into early foul trouble and scored only 13 points in his first game against Boston since the 2024 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player was traded over the summer to the Sixers. His head-to-head showdown with Tatum was one of the more anticipated early season matchups with both players refusing to say much about their frosty relationship. Tatum tried to dap up Brown before the opening tip with a tap on the shoulder and thump on the chest that his former teammate ignored. Tatum shook hands and exchanged a big hug with LeBron James. Brown picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and was whistled for his fourth early in the second half. George, traded for Brown after two seasons with the 76ers, enjoyed the homecoming. He appeared to give the finger in a bowling motion near the visitor’s bench after he sank his fourth three of the game for a 100-82 lead that pushed the Celtics to their ninth...