Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla Reflects On Grant Williams’ Unusual Ejection
Grant Williams saw his night come to an early end after being ejected in one of the most unusual ways during the Boston Celtics’ 123-107 loss against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Saturday night.
In the fourth quarter, with 1:52 minutes left in the game and the Celtics down 17, Williams was understandably frustrated like many on the Boston side. Likely in an attempt to relieve that frustration, Williams — in what appeared to be an unaware move — punched the game ball which bounced off the rim after Stephen Curry took a point 3-pointer prior to a Warriors timeout, that flew into the stands.
“We’ll have a discussion about it,” Mazzulla said, according to CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning.
NBA official Scott Foster, who stood behind Williams, instantly ejected the 24-year-old, as seen on video, courtesy of NBC Sports Boston.
Much like the Celtics, Williams wasn’t very effective, and as a result, finished with just four points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field with two rebounds in 31 minutes as a starter.
During the live ESPN broadcast, rules analyst Steve Jarvie, a longtime NBA official, provided some clarity for those confused like Williams.
“When the ball enters the stands with force like that, it’s an automatic ejection,” Javie said, according to NBC Sports Boston.
Williams and the Celtics (21-6) will seek a bounce-back effort when they return to action on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers (15-13). Tipoff from Crypto.com Arena is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.
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