Former teammate tackles Tatum, gets ejected from game
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The dynamic between former teammates Jayson Tatum and Grant Williams took an unexpected turn during Friday night’s game between the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets. Their shared history, which included an Eastern Conference championship with the Celtics from 2020 to 2023, seemed to fuel a tense moment on the court.
Jaylen Brown is heated with Grant Williams hard foul on Jayson Tatum, it appears pic.twitter.com/GywEWCCdp9
— Noa Dalzell š (@NoaDalzell) November 2, 2024
As the game neared its conclusion, with Boston leading 114-105 and just over two minutes remaining, Williams, now playing for the Hornets, made a surprising move. As Tatum secured a defensive rebound and began advancing the ball, Williams forcefully collided with him near mid-court, creating a dramatic scene reminiscent of a football tackle.
The impact sent Tatum to the floor, and although he quickly rose with visible frustration, he refrained from retaliating. The officials, however, took swift action, ejecting Williams from the game for a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2.
This incident has sparked speculation about Williams’ motivations, with some suggesting it stems from missing out on the previous season’s NBA title opportunity with the Celtics. Williams’ departure from the franchise in restricted free agency after the 2022-23 season might have left him with unresolved feelings.
I LOVE Jayson Tatumās reaction to the Grant Williams foul.
Just here to play basketball, nothing extra.
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) November 2, 2024
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla offered a perspective on the situation, stating:
“And we most definitely would have gotten that tonight in flying colors if the NBA allowed it.”
This comment hints at the underlying tensions and potential for further drama between the former teammates. As the season progresses, basketball fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this rivalry develops and whether the NBA will need to address such on-court incidents.
