Grant Williams Ejected for Foul on Celtics' Jayson Tatum; NBA Fans Sound Off on Video

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams was ejected from Friday night's home game against the Boston Celtics after committing a flagrant foul against former teammate Jayson Tatum.

Tatum was dribbling up the court when Williams ran into him and appeared to use his shoulder to knock him over.

Miles Bridges was also ejected from the game after he was assessed two technical fouls.

The Hornets lost 124-109 to the visiting Celtics, dropping Charlotte's record to 2-3 on the season.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game that he was impressed with Tatum's reaction to the hit.

Derrick White meanwhile expressed displeasure with Williams and the rest of the Hornets after the win.

Jaylen Brown made similar comments, telling reporters after the game, "Actions speak loud. It is what it is. We got the win. We move on. There's no place in the game for that. I thought JT and Grant was friends. I guess not."

Others joined White in calling out Williams for his foul on Tatum.

Williams spent four seasons with Tatum and the Celtics before departing the team in a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2023. The forward was then dealt to the Hornets at the 2023-24 deadline.

Williams' public relationship with his former team had appeared to be positive, despite the 2023 trade and the Celtics' run to the 2024 title without him, prior to Friday's game.

Tatum called Williams a "great teammate" on X in March, and Williams said during a pregame interview that he had spoken with his former teammates prior to Friday's home game.

"We talked last night, just because I was going to invite them over to my house, but I told them, I said I had a date night with my girl, so let's just say that trumps them," Williams said.

The former Celtics forward added: "I talked to JT after the game, and stuff like that... after we play, we'll talk a lot. We might hang out tonight."

It looks like those plans might be in jeopardy after Williams' ejection from Friday night's Hornets loss.

Tatum and Williams could face one another again in less than 24 hours as the Celtics and Hornets prepare for another matchup at Spectrum Center on Saturday night. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. ET.