Celtics’ Jaylen Brown rips Grant Williams for ‘Ray Lewis’-like hit on Jayson Tatum | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 1: Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets fouls Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter during a 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 photograph, User agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

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Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams was ejected Friday after sending Boston Celtics forward (and former teammate) Jayson Tatum to the floor in the fourth quarter of the C’s 124-109 road win.

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Grant Williams was sent off after a flagrant foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/YbhC1psP7r

Celtics star Jaylen Brown didn’t like it and immediately punched Williams in the face.

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

“Like, what are we talking about? Are you all seeing the same play as me?” Brown said, according to ESPN News Services. “He hit it like it was a football match. Like, Ray Lewis hit the center or something. It is what it is. Grant knows best.”

Brown also added: “Actions speak loudly. It is what it is. We won, we move on. But there is no place for this in the game. I thought JT and Grant were friends… I guess not.”

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“I thought JT and Grant were friends. I think not.”
Jaylen Brown on Grant Williams’ flagrant foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/45lZoSfxxq

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

As for Brown, Williams said, “JB kind of escalated the situation, but I understand he’s trying to protect his teammate. But that (Tatum) is my dog. No matter what I got back from him… No ill intent or any problem with it. “

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

However, as Brown noted, the Celtics won and will move on. Tatum scored 32, Brown added 25 and the defending NBA champions improved to 5-1. The next date with the Atlanta Hawks is Monday night.