The Boston Celtics continued their winning run in the 2023-24 NBA regular season as they registered their third consecutive victory on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum received his second career ejection after arguing with the official's decision.
The Celtics defeated Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey-less 76ers 125-119 at the TD Garden on Friday to lead their head-to-head tally by 2-1 this season. Despite getting ejected in the last seconds of the third quarter, Jayson Tatum registered a joint-team-high 21 points with seven rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes.
ALSO WATCH: Durant enters top 10 all-time NBA scoring list despite loss against Nuggets
The 25-year-old forward received his first technical foul in the first quarter for arguing with the referee on a foul call while he was ejected in the third quarter after quarreling with the official on a separate offensive foul. This was Tatum's second career ejection after his first against the New York Knicks on February 28, 2023.
Watch the video here:
Former Celtics assistant coach, Evan Turner, slammed the official for ejecting Tatum and wrote on X, "You can't throw Jayson Tatum out of a nationally televised game... Come on now... I'm finna go to the crib."
Jayson Tatum reacts to his ejection
After receiving his second technical foul, leading to his ejection, Tatum appeared to be discontent with the referee's decision initially. However, the Celtics forward responded calmly to the incident in a post-match press conference and terminated the narratives that he was mad and even cursed the officials.
Watch the video here:
While asked about his reaction to the ejection, Tatum said, "I walked back calmly, sat in my chair, got some ice... I had to laugh it off." The Celtics will host the 76ers for their final regular season clash at the TD Garden on February 27 next year.