Jaylen Brown, Celtics furious after Grant Williams' hard foul on Jayson Tatum
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# Celtics' Tensions Flare After Hard Foul by Grant Williams
In a heated encounter, the Boston Celtics found themselves entangled in a dramatic moment with former teammate Grant Williams during their 124-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The friction arose late in the game when Williams was ejected for a forceful foul on Jayson Tatum, sparking tension among the Celtics players. Jaylen Brown confronted Williams, criticizing the contact as intentional and excessive, likening it to a football tackle. Williams maintained that the foul was not deliberate, merely an attempt to play the ball during a transition.
Despite past camaraderie, Celtics players were skeptical of Williams' explanation. The incident prompted Tatum to avoid post-game interviews, a rare move from the typically available star. Brown, reflecting on his ties with Williams, questioned the nature of the latter's friendship with Tatum. The event shattered the potential for off-court fellowship, which Williams had initially considered hosting.
Before the clash, the atmosphere between teams had been amicable, with players and former Celtics assistant Charles Lee enjoying reunions. Lee's success as Hornets head coach was celebrated by Celtics members, remembering his instrumental role during his tenure in Boston.
Celtics coach highlighted his team's resilience, applauding Tatum's composure and the squad's collective defense. Despite tensions, the Celtics remained steadfast, underscoring the importance of solidarity in the face of challenges. Brown echoed this sentiment, asserting the need to maintain a competitive edge and unity, even amidst adversity from known quarters.