Celtics beat 76ers to open NBA season

The Celtics will need time to figure out how to get the most out of their loaded roster this season.

It didn’t stop them from picking up their first victory on a night they celebrated the official return of their two biggest stars.

Jayson Tatum had 23 points and nine rebounds, and the Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 105-87 on Tuesday night in the season opener for both teams.

Boston won despite shooting just 43 per cent (42 of 97) from the field and 30 per cent from the 3-point line (11 of 37). But the Celtics’ struggles didn’t dampen the mood inside TD Garden for the return to regular-season action for Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving.

Hayward said it was “amazing” to be back out there.

“My adrenaline was pumping those first three or four minutes,” Hayward said. “I think everybody’s adrenaline was pumping. It was sloppy at first. It was great just to be out there. It was a big step for me.”

Marcus Morris added 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Al Horford had nine points and five blocks.

The Celtics survived a lethargic start and rough shooting night but rallied to lead by as many as 18 in the second half.

Including the playoffs, Boston has won 10 straight games at home over Philadelphia, which it defeated in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ben Simmons finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.

Embiid made it clear afterward the 76ers have a way to go to be on the Celtics’ level.

“This not a rivalry,” he said. “I don’t know our record against them. But it’s pretty bad. They always kick our ass. So this is not a rivalry.”

Hayward played in his first game since undergoing surgery and more than 10 months of rehabilitation for the gruesome left ankle injury he suffered five minutes into last year’s season opener.