Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The TD Garden was filled with excitement as former Celtics coach Ime Udoka made his return with the Houston Rockets, leading to an impressive cross-conference showdown against the Boston Celtics. However, the game took an unexpected turn as star Jayson Tatum found himself ejected with 10:17 left in the fourth quarter.

In what had been a cakewalk for the Celtics, Tatum’s ejection came as a surprise, as the home side was starting to run away with the game.

Frustration Boils Over for Jayson Tatum

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite a stellar performance, contributing 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 30 minutes, Tatum’s evening suddenly took a nasty turn. Tatum was benched as the Celtics had a significant 117-90 lead over the Rockets. His frustration reached a boiling point after a perceived no-call by the officials, leading to a heated argument and subsequent ejection.

Tatum’s impassioned showing would usually cost him a fine from the NBA, which has no tolerance for such events. The ejection resulted from Tatum charging two technical fouls for aggressively arguing against a no-call and leaving fans and teammates alike in thought concerning the ramifications of his absence on the game’s result.

The Houston Rockets faced a daunting task at the TD Garden, attempting to break the Boston Celtics’ formidable home winning streak. Although it was an admirable effort, a score of 145-113 ultimately defeated the Rockets. As 14 other teams have also left Boston empty-handed this season, it’s an all too familiar tale.

Read More: Jayson Tatum Reacts to NBA’s L2M Report on Jaylen Brown vs Buddy Hield Controversial Play: “BS”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Celtics Overpower Rockets

Losing to the Celtics on their home turf carries no shame, given their dominance. In the initial 24 minutes, the Rockets held their ground, trailing 69-58. However, the second half became the stage for a relentless offensive onslaught from the Celtics, demonstrating their scoring skills. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston’s dynamic duo put on a clinic by outscoring the Rockets with an offensive onslaught that they never had any answer to.

Jaylen Brown emerged as the game’s leading scorer, delivering an outstanding performance with 42 points, along with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Despite the huge loss, the Rockets had remarkable performances, with Cam Whitmore scoring 22 points off the bench on 7-13 shooting. In 24 minutes, Alperen Şengün demonstrated the perfect performance with a stat line of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and a phenomenal four steals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With the Rockets regrouping, their attention is now turned to a redemption game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at Wells Fargo Center. Tipoff is scheduled for noon.

Watch This Story: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Deliver Jrue Holiday His Revenge Game – 3 Takeaways as Celtics Crush Bucks to Claim East