Joe Mazzulla shares his takeaways from the Celtics’ first loss of the season
What to Know
- The Celtics improved to 5-1 on the season.
- Jayson Tatum finished with a game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds.
- Ex-Celtic Grant Williams was ejected for taking down Tatum late in the fourth quarter.
- Big man Neemias Queta notched 12 points and six rebounds in Al Horford's absence.
- Boston and Charlotte will face off again Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.
The Boston Celtics took down the Charlotte Hornets in a physical game that could have some carry-over into Saturday's matchup.
Former Celtic Grant Williams body checked ex-teammate Jayson Tatum late in the fourth quarter and was promptly ejected with a Flagrant 2. Jaylen Brown and others on the C's were visibly upset with Williams' strange play.
Tatum was unharmed and went on to finish with a game-high 34 points and 11 rebounds. Brown added 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
With veteran big man Al Horford sidelined (load management), Neemias Queta stepped up off the bench with 12 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes.
LaMelo Ball had 31 points for Charlotte before fouling out late in the fourth. He was hit with a Flagrant 1 late in the chippy fourth quarter.
There could be fireworks when these two teams face off again Saturday at 6 p.m. ET right here on NBC Sports Boston.
Check out our live blog below for a complete recap of Friday's matchup:
