Tatum, Paul George React to Playing Together for 1st Time Since Celtics Traded Jaylen Brown to 76ers

Saturday's 144-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers was just a preseason game for the Boston Celtics, but it was also an important step for the one-two punch of Jayson Tatum and Paul George.

After all, it was the first time they've played together since George arrived via the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the 76ers.

"All summer, in training camp, we've always been on different teams," Tatum said, per Jay King of The Athletic. "So that was cool, for all of us to just kind of be on the same team today."

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Tatum explained having a veteran presence like George is going to be key if Boston is going to accomplish its goals this season.

"Just to be able to be his teammate and learn from him and take on the role of any kind of mentor or assistance to myself and other guys," Tatum said. "I obviously watched him play for a long time. It's cool to be a part of it."

George seems to be embracing such a role as a player Tatum said he's "obviously admired for a very, very long time" dating back to high school.

"My job is to try to make this as easy as possible for him," George said. "He's going to be special. You know what I mean? He's going to be special. He knows how to make plays. He knows how to get his own shot. But 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."

The level of competition will increase for the tandem during the regular season, as Philadelphia did not play LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown during Saturday's game. Perhaps the 76ers will roll out more of a complete lineup when the two teams face each other again Friday.

But building chemistry between their two stars was far more important for the Celtics than winning or losing a single preseason game.

They certainly looked comfortable together while stuffing the stat sheet and doing a little bit of everything. Tatum finished with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, while George added 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and a head-turning five steals.

The veteran's ability to make such an impact on the defensive side of the ball, which he has throughout his career, will be particularly important in Boston and let Tatum and Derrick White focus more on their offensive contributions.

It worked perfectly Saturday, and now the Celtics' one-two punch know what it is like to play on the same side.