The much-anticipated game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday had a clear storyline: The beef between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Any animosity between former teammates is compelling, and fans were tuned in to see how Tatum and Brown would act. Amid the drama, one storyline was given less attention: Paul George's first game against the 76ers since being traded to the Celtics.
Not that George wanted any. The lack of attention allowed him to fully focus on basketball—and it showed. He stole the spotlight in the first half, scoring 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbing four rebounds. The Celtics led the 76ers at halftime, 62-51.
For their part, Tatum had 13 points and four rebounds, while Brown tallied eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
George was part of the trade that sent Brown to the 76ers. The Celtics also received two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
More details to come.