Celtics' Jaylen Brown Rips Grant Williams For 'Ray Lewis'-Like Hit On Jayson Tatum | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 01: Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the fourth 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 Friday after ground-checking Boston Celtics forward (and ex-teammate) Jayson Tatum in the fourth quarter of the C’s 124-109 road victory.

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Grant Williams was ejected for this flagrant 2-foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/YbhC1psP7r

Celtics star Jaylen Brown wasn’t happy about that and immediately got in Williams’ face.

After the game, Brown called out Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis in a postgame interview when asked if he thought Williams intentionally fouled Tatum.

“Like, what are we talking about? Y’all seeing the same play I saw?” Brown said per ESPN News Services. “He hit him like it was a football match. Ray Lewis came through the middle or something. It is what it is. Grant knows better.’

Brown also added: “Actions speak loudly. It is what it is. We got the win, we move on. But there’s no place for that in the game. I thought JT and Grant were friends. … I guess it doesn’t.”

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“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

Williams spoke with Kayla Burton of NBC Sports Boston postgame and said he wasn’t trying to hurt Tatum. He admitted it was a “hard foul” but said it was not intentional and that Tatum is one of his “best friends” in the league.

Of Brown, Williams said: “JB has escalated it a little bit, but I understand he’s trying to protect his teammate. But that’s (Tatum) my dog. It doesn’t matter what I get in return for him. … No malice or any problem with that. “

According to ESPN, Tatum did not speak to reporters after the game.

However, as Brown noted, the Celtics got the win and will move on. Tatum scored 32, Brown added 25 and the defending NBA champions moved to 5-1. Next up is a road date with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.