On Saturday, January 13, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets 145-113 to win their 19th consecutive home game. But Tatum wasn’t on the court when the last buzzer went off.
Tatum was ejected for the second time in six weeks. He argued a non-call as he drove in for a layup, and early in the fourth quarter, he was assessed two technical fouls. The great player for the Celtics frequently raises his arms in the air after driving to the hoop without blowing the whistle. Luckily for the Celtics, Tatum’s forced exit came with the game already far in hand.
Tatum’s grievances are not new. Even though he isn’t usually kicked out, Tatum is a real whiner, and this season it’s showing more and more.
Tatum’s approach has changed. With every season, the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has improved. He’s probably headed to his fifth consecutive All-Star Game.
Tatum has become more muscular and larger every year, and he now makes it a point to visit the rim more frequently. He is more likely to get fouled when doing this. He is also more likely to be seen glaring at the officials in hopes of getting a call.
Against the Rockets, this was the situation.
It seemed obvious that Tatum was fouled on this play. There was no whistle blow. Tatum voiced his displeasure. He then grumbled once more. After receiving two brief technicals, he was shown the door.
During the postgame press conference, he stated, “I didn’t appreciate or like the no-call on those last two drives,” according to NBC Sports Boston. “I mean, I know the time and score; I’m a highly self-aware person. It was pretty much over, the game, and I had to defend myself. I finished speaking, was expelled, and that was that.