Jaylen Brown’s first game against the Boston Celtics ended in a 123-101 loss Tuesday, with the Philadelphia 76ers star held to 13 points as his former team pulled away at Xfinity Mobile Arena. His performance also drew strong criticism from the hoops world.

The matchup had drawn attention since the summer, particularly after Tatum’s former teammate made comments ahead of the meeting. Very little went his way once the ball went up.

Sports World Roasts Jaylen Brown After 76ers Star Struggles vs. Jayson Tatum’s Celtics

Boston sent Brown to Philadelphia in July for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. The deal ended a nine-season partnership with Jayson Tatum that included two trips to the NBA Finals. Tuesday marked the Philadelphia guard’s first game against Boston since the trade.

ESPN’s Kris Rhim said in a pregame report that the 2024 Finals MVP was approaching the matchup with the intensity of “somebody going to war.” The 76ers guard defended Tatum from Boston’s first possession, moments after an awkward greeting at midcourt in which the Celtics forward patted him on the chest.

Boston secured the victory, and Brick Center put it plainly: “Celtics won the trade.”

The five-time All-Star did have a hand in his team’s only lead of the night, picking off a Tatum pass early in the first quarter and finding Tyrese Maxey for a 3-pointer that put the Sixers up 5-4. However, he lost the ball out of bounds on the next possession before Derrick White’s 3-pointer put Boston back in front.

One fan replied to Brick Center: “He laid an egg.”

Before the game, Brown said there was ‘nothing to talk about’ between him and Tatum, adding that both were focused on winning. Another fan referenced his October remark that there might be ‘a little lamb chops and some gravy,’ writing: ‘Nothing to see here just lamb chops and bricks.’”

The Sixers veteran’s struggles went beyond scoring. He shot 4-for-9, committed 4 turnovers, and finished with a minus-27 rating, the worst plus-minus in the game. Foul trouble also limited him to 26 minutes. He picked up 2 fouls in the first quarter before receiving his fourth early in the third.

Content creator Dante Turo posted: “I love Jaylen, but to say everything you’ve said just to drop this stat line is a tough look.”

Meanwhile, Tatum finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor was unsparing: “Downright terrible game by Jaylen Brown. His worst game of the year in the biggest moment with Philly. Tries to manufacture a rivalry with Jayson Tatum and he fell flat on his face.”

After the game, the 6-foot-6 guard acknowledged his frustration.

“I’m a bit frustrated, honestly. I wanted to perform better for my team. Foul trouble kind of derailed me a little bit, but it happens,” he said.

Boston’s victory also drew reactions beyond the individual performance. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy declared: “Paul George, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics are destroying LeBron, Jaylen and the Sixers.”

George returned to Philadelphia as a member of the Celtics and scored 14 consecutive points in the fourth quarter. “The Sports Hub” summed it up: “Jaylen Brown revenge game? Nah, it was the Paul George revenge game.”

The loss cost Philadelphia its place atop the Eastern Conference, as Boston’s win lifted the 9-2 Celtics past the 9-3 Sixers into first place.

The rematch comes Jan. 21 in Boston, where Brown is expected to play for the first time in a Sixers uniform. He spent 10 seasons with the Celtics, made five All-Star teams, and earned Finals MVP honors during their 2024 championship run.