Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum swatted Grant Williams' buzzer-beater attempt into the stands before the halftime break on Monday night, sending the Dallas Mavericks player flying down the court on the floor.
Prior to tip-off, it was all love between the two former teammates who greeted each other with a hug, but Tatum put his team first once the game started.
With just seconds remaining in the first half, Williams dribbled along the left side of the floor before attempting a half-court heave to beat the buzzer. Tatum, however, had other plans, swatting the shot attempt deep into the stands at the American Airlines Center.
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Following the block, Williams hit the floor and slid nearly 10 feet. Tatum seemed to exchange words with Tim Hardaway Jr. and walked away without helping Williams up.
"Yeah, I tried to kick that s---, I ain’t going to lie," Tatum said after the game when asked about his block on Williams. "I can’t repeat what I said, but it was all friendly, competitive nature. But I had to get that one off."
Williams, who served as a great locker room presence in Boston from 2019-23, has maintained positive relationships with members of the Celtics since his departure. Now playing in a career-high 26.8 minutes per game in Dallas, Williams is averaging 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
