NBA16 hours ago2 minute read

Paul George Scores 36 Points to Lead Celtics Past 76ers

Paul George posted 36 points against his former team as the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 on Tuesday.

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George shines in return to Philadelphia

Paul George put on a big shooting display against his former team on Tuesday night. He scored 36 points and made six 3 pointers to lead the Boston Celtics to a 123-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

George was traded for Jaylen Brown after spending two seasons with Philadelphia. He sank his fourth 3 pointer to build a 100-82 lead, pushing Boston to its ninth win in 10 games.

"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 NCB broadcast after the game. "But here in Boston they gave me an opportunity to come out here and play and be myself."

Tatum and Brown duel while Embiid struggles

The game was also the first matchup between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown since Brown was traded over the summer. Tatum scored 21 points for Boston. Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter and his fourth early in the second half, finishing with 13 points. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 24 points.

Philadelphia faced a scare before halftime when Joel Embiid landed awkwardly on a missed layup attempt. He curled up on the court while VJ Edgecombe dunked over him. Embiid walked off slowly as Boston led 62-51 at halftime.

Embiid has struggled with his shot recently. He scored just two points on 0 for 9 shooting last Friday in Cleveland. He missed two 3 pointers in the first half on Tuesday, but opened the second half with his first shot from deep since the second game of the season.

What it means for the next game

Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors (NBA, Thu, 12 Nov): Toronto Raptors win 29%, Boston Celtics win 71%; projected score Toronto Raptors 106, Boston Celtics 112. Our safest pick: Celtics to win.

Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers (NBA, Fri, 13 Nov): Philadelphia 76ers win 42%, Toronto Raptors win 58%; projected score Philadelphia 76ers 113, Toronto Raptors 115. Our safest pick: Raptors +6.5.