Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum downplayed the significance of Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, which will mark the first time he faces former teammate Jaylen Brown as an opponent. "It's another game on the schedule. It's the Celtics versus the Sixers. In the words of Brad Stevens, they all count as one," Tatum said after scoring 21 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing six assists in a 117-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nine seasons and a championship
Tatum and Brown spent nine seasons together in Boston, leading the Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship — the franchise's first since 2008 and record 18th overall — before Brown was traded to Philadelphia this summer in a blockbuster deal that brought Paul George to Boston.
Public exchanges
Recent media exchanges have fueled speculation about their relationship. In Tatum's documentary series "Summer of Jayson," he said he was "just as much caught off guard as the rest of the world" by the trade. Brown responded in the comments with "cap." Tatum later pushed back against drama narratives: "This ain't no f---in' Shaq and Kobe, there's no beef." Brown subsequently said, "There's no beef... it might be a little lamb chop. And some gravy."
Focus on basketball
As the first meeting approaches, both players have emphasized basketball. Brown said after the 76ers' 127-121 win over the Chicago Bulls: "It's nothing to talk about. I mean, he's on his side, I'm on my side. Just playing basketball. Both of us are trying to win." Tatum added he had "no idea" if a conversation with Brown would happen Tuesday or wait until after the season, stressing the long season ahead with 72 games remaining.
Strong starts
Both players and teams are off to strong starts. Brown is averaging 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and four assists on 47.7% shooting, including 39.2% from three-point range, for the 9-2 Sixers, who sit atop the Eastern Conference. Tatum is averaging 27.1 points, six rebounds and 7.8 assists for the 8-2 Celtics, who are alone in second place.
