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[Saba Sports News] Grant Williams was ejected on Friday after colliding with former Boston Celtics teammate Jayson Tatum.
With the Celtics leading Williams’ Charlotte Hornets 114-105 and about two minutes remaining at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., Tatum grabbed a defensive rebound and launched a fast break. As he crossed half court, Williams bodychecked him to the ground, resembling a late tackle by a defensive back. The incident resulted in a flagrant 2 foul, leading to Williams’ ejection.
Tatum propelled the Celtics to a 124-109 victory, finishing with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Williams, who logged 30 minutes off the bench for the Hornets, contributed 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Williams, who played his first four NBA seasons with the Celtics, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last offseason, just before Boston’s championship run. He had humorously bid farewell to Tatum at the time, a sentiment that now seems more contentious after Friday’s incident.
Earlier this year, Williams acknowledged feeling overlooked by the Celtics when he returned to Boston in an opposing jersey during an April 12 game.