Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shared the TD Garden floor again Saturday night, but this time as opponents, and their first public reunion since Brown’s departure from Boston was noticeably quiet.
Ahead of the Celtics’ preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers, both former teammates went through warmups on the court at the same time. Video from the arena showed Tatum and Brown working in close proximity without any visible conversation, handshake, nod or other acknowledgment between them. The moment quickly spread across social media and fueled speculation about the state of their relationship.
The Jays warm up on opposite sides of the court for the first time https://t.co/0PO8MMNDF8
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 10, 2026
Tatum and Brown spent years together in Boston and were the centerpiece of the Celtics team that won the 2024 NBA championship. Brown’s move to Philadelphia this offseason ended one of the league’s longest-running star partnerships, making Saturday’s preseason matchup their first appearance at TD Garden on opposite sides.
Brown’s return was not entirely cold. Several Celtics staff members reportedly approached him during his workout and greeted him warmly, while fans called out to him from the stands, many still wearing his old No. 7 Celtics jersey.
Brown ultimately did not play, despite going through an extensive pregame workout. Tatum did, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists as Boston beat Philadelphia 144-106 in the preseason matchup.
The biggest story, however, came before tipoff. For years, Tatum and Brown were constantly linked together; teammates, co-stars and eventually champions.
On Saturday, they stood on the same court and appeared to act like strangers.
