In a game that many saw as a clash of the Eastern Conference titans currently at the top of the standings to start the 2026-27 NBA regular season, the reality was a 123-101 road blowout win for the Boston Celtics over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics were in control for nearly the entire game, trailing by 1 point briefly before Boston blew it open in the final frame with a barrage of makes from beyond the arc.

That the Celtics held the Sixers to just 30 percent from deep on a night they shot 45 percent from 3 helped quite a bit, as did winning the shot attempt battle 95-79. Oddly, Boston was awarded just 5 free throw attempts to Philly's 28, but forced 14 turnovers to their own 9.

The win puts Boston in sole possession of the East's top spot, with the Celtics improving to 9-2 on the season to date.

Let's take a look at the best plays from the first matchup between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown since the latter's trade to the Sixers this summer captured in images.