Paul George returned to Philadelphia and turned a rivalry night into his own shooting show. The Celtics forward scored 36 points, including six three-pointers, as Boston beat the 76ers 123-101 on Tuesday. Boston arrived 8-2, trying to prove its fast start could survive a huge road game. Philadelphia entered 9-2 hoping to defend its home floor against the team it beat in last spring’s playoff series.

George set the tone quickly. He hit a step-back shot for Boston’s first basket, and Jayson Tatum soon dunked after a steal by Celtics guard Jordan Walsh. Tyrese Maxey answered with his usual burst, drilling a running three and then floating in a close shot. Still, Boston’s active defense kept stopping Philadelphia’s attacks. Tatum blocked Joel Embiid’s jumper, and the Celtics moved ahead 21-12 when Tatum buried a step-back three.

Philadelphia tried to use Embiid’s strength near the basket, but Boston kept making the next play. Celtics center Mitchell Robinson grabbed his own miss and slammed it home. A three-pointer by Celtics forward Sam Hauser and a tip shot by Tatum pushed the lead to 30-23 after one quarter.

The second quarter became George’s stage. He drove for a layup, pulled up for a long jumper, and later scored inside after grabbing his own miss. His quick 11-point stretch helped Boston build a 45-34 lead. Philadelphia did find sparks: LeBron James hit a fadeaway shot, and Anfernee Simons made a three off James’ pass. But the Celtics’ bench kept stretching the floor. Hauser made two more threes, and Celtics guard Hugo González added another from deep for a 54-38 advantage.

Maxey and VJ Edgecombe tried to pull Philadelphia closer before halftime. Edgecombe stole a pass and raced in for a dunk, cutting the gap to 62-51. Then the 76ers opened the third quarter with Embiid’s three-pointer and Maxey’s two free throws. When Maxey scored again with 8:28 left, Boston’s lead had shrunk to 69-63.

That was Philadelphia’s best chance to change the story. Boston answered with calm passing and sharp outside shooting. George scored on a reverse layup, then nailed a three. Maxey’s three tied the game at 79, but Celtics guard Payton Pritchard answered with a three of his own. Hauser and Tatum added deep shots, sending Boston into the fourth ahead 91-82.

Pritchard hit two more threes early in the final period, and George followed with a three for a 100-82 lead. His later scores made it 105-82, ending the comeback threat. Boston finished with 22 three-pointers and only eight turnovers, showing the careful ball movement that created so many open looks.

Maxey scored 24 points for Philadelphia, while Embiid had 16 and James added 11 points and five assists. Yet Boston’s defense held Philadelphia to 33 made shots. The Celtics improved to 9-2 and will next face Toronto, carrying a fourth straight win and a clear message that their new group can shine in a rivalry storm. The 76ers fell to 9-3 and also head to Toronto, with their powerful lineup looking for a stronger answer in the next chapter.

Paul George Lights Up Philadelphia as Celtics Run Away 123-101