Grant Williams ejected for fouling Celtics' Jayson Tatum; NBA fans sound out on video | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 01: Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on November 1, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina . NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams was ejected from Friday night’s home game against the Boston Celtics after committing a flagrant foul against former teammate Jayson Tatum.

Tatum was dribbling onto the court when Williams ran into him and appeared to use his shoulder knock him down.

Noa Dalzell @Noa Dalzell

Jaylen Brown gets heated with a hard foul from Grant Williams on Jayson Tatum, it seems pic.twitter.com/GywEWCCdp9

Miles Bridges was too ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls.

The Hornets lost 124-109 to the visiting Celtics, dropping Charlotte’s record to 2-3 on the season.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game that he was impressed with Tatum’s reaction to the goal.

Noa Dalzell @Noa Dalzell

Joe Mazzulla liked how Jayson Tatum responded to Grant Williams’ foul:
“I’m glad he’s doing well. What I like most is that he jumped right up, didn’t stay down, didn’t really phase…I’m glad he’s doing well…I just think I liked how JT handled it, it was great.” pic.twitter.com/rSozygHbzo

Derrick White, meanwhile, expressed his displeasure with Williams and the rest of the Hornets after the win.

Celtics on NBC Sports Boston @NBCSCeltics

“In the end it was BS, but we won”@Kay_Breezy22 caught up with Derrick White after the Celtics’ victory over the Hornets, and he gave his reaction to Grant Williams’ cheap shot on Tatum
Presented by @NEFordDealers pic.twitter.com/IDScIAPtv7

Jaylen Brown made similar comments, telling reporters after the game: “Actions speak loudly. It is what it is. We got the win. We move on. There’s no place for that in the game. I thought JT and Grant were friends were. I don’t think so.”

Bleacher Report @Bleacher report

“I thought JT and Grant were friends. I don’t think so.’
Jaylen Brown on Grant Williams’ blatant 2-foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/45lZoSfxxq

Others joined White in calling out Williams for his foul on Tatum.

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons

Come on Grant Williams, that was lame.

Then Karpuc @Daniel Karpuc

Grant Williams was a role player for the Celtics.
He signed a $53 million contract with the Mavs and benefited from his association with the C’s.
After rubbing them the wrong way, DAL realized they had overpaid and sent him to Charlotte.
He should thank Boston and not do this. https://t.co/wwItqdVmQl

Christopher Wahman @CWahman

Grant Williams is cut from the same cloth as Draymond Green and Patrick Beverly. They are useful for all players, especially on defense. But extremely emotional, volatile players. Players that you can’t trust to stay in games and have a positive impact

Daniel Donabedian @daniel1214

The Celtics just shot seven free throws in a row. Grant Williams erased any chance of a comeback with that stupid foul.

ACC Brando @BrandoNumbaNine

Grant Williams lost all his respect from Celtics fans lol

Gio Rivera @sportsman

Grant Williams pregame: Maybe I’ll invite Jayson Tatum to my house after the game to catch up.
Williams in the 4th Q: I’m going to take a cheap shot at Tatum for no reason.

Heather @animalluver84

I can’t wait to see the reception Grant Williams will now receive in Boston on April 11th.

Williams spent four seasons with Tatum and the Celtics before leaving the team in a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2023. The forward was then dealt to the Hornets at the 2023-2024 deadline.

Williams’ public relationship with his former team appeared positive, despite the 2023 trade and the Celtics’ push for the 2024 title without him, ahead of Friday’s game.

Tatum called Williams a “great teammate” on X in March, and Williams said during a pre-match interview that he had spoken to his former teammates prior to Friday’s home game.

“We talked last night just because I wanted to invite them to my house, but I told them, I said I had a date night with my girl, so let’s just say that trumps them,” Williams said.

The former Celtics forward added, “I talked to JT after the game, and stuff like that…after we play, we’ll talk a lot. We can hang out tonight.”

It appears these plans are in jeopardy after Williams was ruled out of Friday night’s match against the Hornets.

Tatum and Williams could meet again in 24 hours as the Celtics and Hornets prepare for another matchup at Spectrum Center on Saturday night. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM ET.