Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown blamed an “overemotional ref” for his first career ejection during Friday’s 133-123 victory over the New York Knicks.
Brown received two technical fouls late in the fourth quarter, the first for arguing his fifth foul with 7:19 remaining in the frame, and the second for disputing the decision from the bench.
“I wish I would have got my money’s worth. I always thought my first career ejection would be something a little more exciting … not some overemotional ref who had a bad day,” Brown told reporters postgame.
Referee crew chief Mark Lindsay said that Brown received a second technical for a “wave off directed at the official.” According to NBA rules, that’s considered an unsportsmanlike act.
Derrick White led the way for Boston with an efficient 30 points while shooting 63% from the field and Kristaps Porzingis dropped 21 in his first game back from a calf injury. Brown had 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting in 27 minutes of play prior to the ejection.
Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett scored 23 apiece for the visiting Knicks in a losing cause.
With the victory, the Celtics improve to 10-0 at the TD Garden and remain the league’s lone unbeaten side at home this season.