Paul George hit six 3-pointers and scored 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, overshadowing the clash between former teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as the Celtics cruised past the 76ers 123-101 on Tuesday night.
George, traded for Brown after two seasons with the 76ers, finished 6-of-11 from beyond the arc and keyed two separate runs that helped Boston run away with the game. The nine-time All-Star has taken on more offensive responsibility in Boston, where he is averaging more points and more shot attempts through 10 games than he did last season in Philadelphia.
George Makes a Strong Start
“I’m a little bit better with more usage, and that’s no knock to how my opportunities here with Philly, you know, quite frankly I wasn’t healthy to take on the workload that I feel I’m at my best at,” George told the NBC broadcast after the game. “But here in Boston they gave me an opportunity to come out here and play and be myself.”
George is averaging 22 points per game so far this season, the second-most for any player in their first 10 games as a Celtic in franchise history.
Tatum finished with 21 points, while Brown ran into early foul trouble and ended with 13 in his first game against Boston since being traded over the summer to the Sixers. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and was whistled for his fourth early in the second half. The head-to-head showdown was one of the most anticipated early-season matchups, with both players declining to say much about their frosty relationship.
A Homecoming With a Heated Moment
George enjoyed his homecoming, though it included a confrontation with a fan. After sinking his fourth 3-pointer of the game to give Boston a 100-82 lead, he gestured a middle finger at a 76ers supporter in the crowd, using a bowling motion.
George explained the incident after the game. He said the fan had received a ball that rolled to him, looked George in the eye and dropped it on the ground rather than passing it back, as if George were a dog expected to fetch it. George said he responded in kind with the gesture.
George also helped put the game out of reach for the Sixers in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 straight points. The performance capped an excellent start to his Celtics career, following a tenure in Philadelphia that was derailed by injuries and a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program.
Despite the focus on Tatum and Brown, George said he did not feel pressure to make a statement with his game.
“Nah, my job was just to come in and support Jayson Tatum and, you know, be the best version that I could be for him,” he said. “That was my only focus.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.