Jayson Tatum Reacts To First-Career Ejection

Tatum scores 14 points in an aggravating game against the Knicks.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics have lost the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. This comes after a forgettable 109-94 loss to the New York Knicks, who extend their winning streak to 6.

It was a particularly frustrating night for Jayson Tatum. The reigning All-Star MVP shot 6-for-18 and went 1-for-9 from three-point range. He finished with a team-worst box plus-minus of -18.

In addition to a shooting slump, Tatum was given two technical fouls by officials at Madison Square Garden. This resulted in the first regular-season ejection of his career.

The first technical came after the MVP candidate landed a monstrous dunk. He felt that Isaiah Hartenstein fouled him during the play and expressed this to an official.

WELL OKAY JT!!!

TUNE IN: https://t.co/uSr28gFzzp pic.twitter.com/klxHM3rm46

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 28, 2023

“The first technical came from the reaction from the dunk,” Tatum told NBC Sports Boston. “That one was tough because they literally guided me to the rim. Two hands on my back, that would have been scary, right?”

Tatum was sent to the locker room with nearly four minutes left in the game, after making a snarky comment about another possible missed call. The Celtics’ star believed he was fouled by Julius Randle during a three-point attempt.

Jayson Tatum was ejected after his second technical foul at MSG. pic.twitter.com/8hUT292rxE

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 28, 2023

"I just told them this is probably the best officiated game I've been a part of. I tried to give them a compliment, it didn't go over so well." said Tatum. 

"I just told them this is probably the best officiated game I've been a part of. I tried to give them a compliment, it didn't go over so well."

Jayson Tatum on his ejection vs. Knicks pic.twitter.com/cNU6hkkQRf

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 28, 2023

Further Reading

Former Celtic Defends Jayson Tatum After His First-Career Ejection

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Celtics' Shot Selection After Long-Range Struggles in Loss vs. Knicks

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Loss vs. Knicks: New York Bests Boston on a Cold Shooting Night by the Visitors

Joe Mazzulla's Message to the Celtics After Clinching Season Series vs. Sixers

Jayson Tatum Discusses His Game-Winning Shot vs. Sixers, Including His Message to the Celtics in the Preceding Timeout

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Victory vs. Sixers: Tatum Comes Through in the Clutch as Boston Wins Season Series

Film Room: How the Celtics Defend Joel Embiid

Jayson Tatum Unveils Jordan Tatum 1's