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Following the final buzzer, the Celtics' official social media account posted a caption reading, "Threw the ball up." The phrase was a direct reference to Brown’s own social media activity since his July trade to Philadelphia, where he frequently used the hashtag "Throw the ball up" to align himself with the 76ers' branding. The jab served as a final flourish to a night where Boston asserted its dominance over a team now featuring two of its former key assets.
Tatum Outshines Brown in First Meeting Since Trade
The matchup marked the first time
The game was defined by the performance of Paul George, who arrived in Boston as part of the trade package that sent Brown to Philadelphia. George delivered a game-high 36 points, though his efforts were not enough to overcome the collective strength of the Celtics. The trade, which also included two first-round and two second-round picks, remains a significant talking point in the league, especially given the history between the two former teammates.
Lingering Tension and Future Meetings
The relationship between Tatum and Brown has been under the microscope since the trade. Last month, Tatum claimed on his YouTube channel that he was "just as much caught off guard as the rest of the world" regarding the move. Brown publicly questioned that narrative on social media, using a blue hat emoji—slang for "cap"—to suggest he doubted Tatum's account. Despite their public insistence that there is no personal animosity, Brown recently remarked that there "might be a little lamb chops and some gravy" between them, while noting that Tatum has a "hell of a PR team."
Heading into the game, Brown had attempted to downplay the significance of the reunion, stating on Sunday that there was "nothing to talk about" and that both players were simply focused on winning. However, the lopsided result and the Celtics' postgame social media activity suggest that the competitive edge between the two sides remains sharp. The teams are scheduled to meet again in January, when Brown will make his return to Boston.