​Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesJaylen Brown approached his first game against the Boston Celtics with the intensity of a player preparing for war, but the Philadelphia 76ers forward was unable to inspire his new team as they suffered a 123-101 defeat.The matchup marked Brown’s first regular-season meeting with his former side since being traded to Philadelphia in the offseason. It also brought him face-to-face with Jayson Tatum after the pair spent nine seasons together in Boston.The 76ers arrived with a 9-2 record and the Eastern Conference lead, while Boston were 8-2. There was plenty at stake as Brown returned to face the franchise that drafted him third overall in 2016.Jaylen Brown struggles as Boston Celtics secure convincing win over Philadelphia 76ersESPN reporter Kris Rhim described Brown’s approach to the reunion before tip-off, highlighting the intensity surrounding the former Celtics star.“Jaylen Brown is approaching this with the intensity of somebody going to war. It seems like, and I know it sounds like hyperbole, but that’s what it seems like.”Brown had previously insisted there was “no beef” between himself and Tatum, although he added there “might be a little lamb chops and some gravy.” He also told his former teammate to “stay ready at all times”.Those comments followed public tension after Brown questioned Tatum’s account of being surprised by the trade. Brown also responded with a “cap” emoji to a video of Tatum discussing the move.However, the reunion did not go according to plan for Philadelphia.Brown finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes, shooting four-of-nine from the field. His plus-minus of -27 was also the lowest among the players listed in the box score.Boston, meanwhile, had several players step up. Paul George led the way with 36 points, while Tatum recorded 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. Payton Pritchard added 18 points and Anfernee Simons contributed 17.The Celtics outscored Philadelphia 32-19 in the fourth quarter to complete a 22-point victory. Boston improved to 9-2, while the 76ers fell to 9-3.For Brown, the result made his first return to face his former team a difficult one, with Boston once again showing why they remain among the early contenders in the East.Read more:Jaylen Brown explains why he ignored Jayson Tatum’s attempt at pre-game embrace before first-ever clash‘It’s unfair’ – Joe Mazzulla shares Jayson Tatum’s underrated quality that Jaylen Brown beef provedJosh Hart injury update gives Knicks reason for optimism as Mike Brown reveals latest