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The Boston Celtics’ 144-106 preseason win over the Philadelphia 76ers was overshadowed by the reunion between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as the former teammates reportedly ignored each other during warmups on October 10.
Saturday marked their first meeting since Brown’s blockbuster offseason trade, and there was little outward sign of warmth between the two former Celtics stars but despite standing only steps apart, neither appeared to acknowledge the other.
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Brown had been central to Boston’s success last season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while Tatum recovered from an Achilles injury and his production helped the Celtics remain near the top of the Eastern Conference amid major roster departures.
But the campaign nevertheless ended in disappointment, as the Celtics surrendered a 3-1 lead to Philadelphia in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, and the collapse preceded an offseason trade that separated two players who had long anchored the franchise.
And Brown’s return to his former team was notable for another reason: he did not appear courtside to watch his former team as NBC Sports Boston reporter Abby Chin said he returned to the locker room.
“Jaylen Brown, a former Celtic, is in the building,” Chin said. “He’s not on the bench. So, we believe he’s back in the locker room here in Boston for the first time since he was traded away this summer.”
His absence added to the questions about the relationship after reports of friction between the player and organization and the apparent lack of interaction and the reunion offered little public evidence of a good relations.
LeBron James (R) and Jaylen Brown (L)LAPRESSE
Tatum shines as Boston overwhelms Philadelphia
Tatum, meanwhile, offered an encouraging glimpse of his return from the injury that disrupted his previous season as he scored 23 points with five rebounds and four assists, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 4-of-10 from three-point range.
His willingness to attack driving lanes and shoot confidently stood out, although one preseason performance cannot settle questions about his recovery but for Boston, it was nonetheless a positive sign as Tatum continues preparing for the regular season.
Additionally, Paul George influenced the game defensively despite a quiet scoring night, finishing with five steals and six deflections whilst Baylor Scheierman added eight assists and five steals, while Neemias Queta impressed with his activity around the basket.
The result remains a preseason victory, and Philadelphia’s depleted lineup limits what can be inferred from the score, but it was a big confidence boost for the Celtics as they prepare for another championship push.