Jayson Tatum and Paul George finally hit the court together for the Boston Celtics in Saturday’s 144-106 preseason victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a huge first step for Boston’s new one-two punch. This wasn’t just another exhibition game; it was the very first time Tatum and George suited up on the same side since George arrived via the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. The chemistry was palpable right from the jump, and it’s got to make fans in Boston absolutely hyped.
The Mentorship Tatum Has Been Waiting For
Tatum couldn’t hold back his excitement about finally teaming up with a player he’s “obviously admired for a very, very long time,” even going back to high school. He talked about how wild it was that they’d “always been on different teams” all summer and in training camp, making this first game together “cool” for everyone. For Tatum, having a seasoned pro like George around is going to be absolutely key for Boston to hit their goals this season. Tatum sees George taking on a serious “mentor or assistance” role, saying, “I obviously watched him play for a long time. It’s cool to be a part of it.”
George is clearly embracing that role, too. He’s totally focused on making Tatum’s life easier out there. “My job is to try to make this as easy as possible for him,” George said. He knows Tatum is “going to be special,” a guy who can make plays and get his own shot. But George’s goal is to take pressure off Tatum, telling everyone, “if my aggression takes the pressure off him, and if I can find ways to steal extra possessions defensively or get him some easy baskets, that’s what I’m on that floor to do.”
That Defensive Impact is Already Showing Up
Even with the 76ers sitting LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown for Saturday’s contest, the Celtics’ main goal was all about building chemistry between their two new stars. And let me tell you, it looked like a perfect fit. Tatum and George looked super comfortable together, stuffing the stat sheet and doing a little bit of everything. Tatum went off for 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. George added 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, but the real eye-opener? He also snagged a ridiculous five steals. That defensive impact from George, something he’s been known for his entire career, is going to be huge for Boston. It means Tatum and Derrick White can really focus on lighting it up offensively. It all “worked perfectly Saturday,” and now these two know exactly what it feels like to dominate on the same squad.
The competition is only going to ramp up from here. The Celtics are set to face the 76ers again this Friday, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what happens if Philly rolls out more of a complete lineup. But one thing’s for sure: Tatum and George are off to a blistering start, and this early chemistry is a massive signal for what Boston is building this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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