“Spiteful Kindergartener” – NBA Fans Rip Jaylen Brown For Ignoring Jayson Tatum’s Effort to Talk To Him With Pre-Tip Handshake

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum vied on the NBA court for the first time in their careers on Tuesday.

By Arian Kashyap · Sportskeeda

Published: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 at 4:15 AM

Key Things to Know

NBA fans criticized Jaylen Brown for ignoring former Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum's pregame handshake attempt on Tuesday.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 in the players' first matchup since their offseason trade.
Paul George scored 36 points and Jayson Tatum added 21 points to lead Boston to the road win.

The Story in 60 Seconds

NBA fans widely criticized Philadelphia 76ers forward Jaylen Brown after he appeared to ignore former Boston Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum's pregame handshake attempt on Tuesday. Video shared by NBA on ESPN showed Tatum attempting to greet Brown before tip-off, but Brown declined to engage, prompting Tatum to tap his shoulder and instead greet LeBron James. Fans online expressed frustration over the perceived snub, labeling Brown's behavior petty.

The game marked the first meeting between the former teammates since the offseason trade that sent Brown to Philadelphia for Paul George. Boston ultimately earned a 123-101 road victory, led by George's 36 points and Tatum's 21 points. Carmelo Anthony also noted sensing a strange atmosphere between the two during an offseason event in Cannes shortly before the trade.

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