Sixers suffer first loss, Bulls stay undefeated as NBA Cup begins

Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and the Boston Celtics knocked Philadelphia from the ranks of the unbeaten, 109-108, on Friday (Saturday, Phl time) as the NBA Cup in-season tournament began.

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Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket as Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense during the game during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

(AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE)

The Celtics avenged a 117-116 loss to the 76ers in their opener at Boston and improved to 3-3 while dropping the host Sixers to 4-1.

Tyrese Maxey, who led Philadelphia with 26 points and 14 assists, and VJ Edgecombe sank three-pointers to lift the 76ers within 108-106 with 51 seconds remaining.

Brown added what turned out to be the deciding free throw with 32.9 seconds remaining but Maxey sank a layup with 20.8 to play to lift the 76ers within the final margin.