Jaylen Brown erupted for 25 points, leading the Boston Celtics to a dominant 124-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. However, the game’s biggest drama unfolded after the final buzzer, ignited by a controversial foul involving Brown’s former teammate, Grant Williams.
Williams Ejected After Flagrant Foul on Tatum
Late in the fourth quarter, Williams, now playing for Charlotte, collided with Jayson Tatum, sending the Celtics star sprawling to the ground. Brown immediately confronted Williams and the Hornets bench, visibly incensed. Officials reviewed the play, ultimately ejecting Williams for a flagrant foul 2. The incident could potentially lead to a league suspension.
Brown Calls Out Williams, Questions Intentional Nature of Foul
“Like, what are we talking about? Y’all see the same play that I was seeing?” Brown exclaimed to reporters. “He hit him like it was a football play. Like, Ray Lewis coming across the middle or something. It is what it is. Grant know better than that.”
Brown emphasized that such fouls have no place in the NBA, expressing disbelief that Williams, a former teammate, would commit such a reckless act.
“I thought JT and Grant was friends. … I guess not,” Brown added.
Williams Acknowledges Foul, Claims No Malice
Williams, speaking to NBC Sports Boston, acknowledged the severity of the foul but insisted it wasn’t intentional.
“Not trying to hurt anybody. We all know that’s one of my closest friends in the league,” Williams stated.
“JB kind of escalated it, but I understand he’s trying to protect his teammate. But that’s [Tatum] my dog. No matter what I got his back. … No malice or any issue with that.”
Game Remains Heated After Foul
The tension didn’t dissipate after Williams’ ejection. LaMelo Ball fouled Tatum on a 3-point attempt, earning a flagrant foul for a dangerous play. Miles Bridges, a Hornets forward, was subsequently ejected in the closing seconds.
“Teams like to send messages and try to set the tone and do all different type of stuff to try to either get us out of character or mess with our mind or make us feel like we solved or whatever the case is,” Brown stated.
“We’re not going for none of that. We’re not — that’s it. We’re just not going.”
Teams Meet Again Saturday Night
The Celtics and Hornets will renew their rivalry Saturday night in Boston, promising another intense matchup.
Stay tuned for continued coverage of this heated rivalry!