SAN ANTONIO — Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was ejected during Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs after he became incensed over a no-call while dribbling late in the second quarter.
Brown voiced his displeasure with referee Tyler Ford on his way back down the court. After picking up the first technical foul, Brown spun around and pleaded his case with another official. He turned back to Ford within seconds, prompting referee Suyash Mehta to hit Brown with his second technical.
During the exchange, Celtics players stepped in to try to calm down Brown. Joe Mazzulla and a security guard also walked onto the court in an attempt to calm down the All-Star.
Brown eventually retreated to the locker room. He hopped on social media to lodge another complaint before halftime even concluded.
“This the s— I be talking about,” Brown posted on X shortly after the ejection.
Brown already had the officiating on his mind before tipping off a premier matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. He called out to one of the Celtics’ assistant coaches while in the locker room before the game.
“I need to get to the line, too,” Brown said. “I ain’t get no free throws against them last game.”
Tuesday’s officiating won’t ease the tension that has built up between Brown and the referees this season. He again did not attempt a free throw against the Spurs. Instead, he drew the ejection — and, in the process, deepened his feud with NBA officials, which has been simmering all season.
Brown has expressed frustration with NBA referees several times this season. After a loss to the Spurs in January, he said the Celtics get a bad whistle against quality opponents.
“Every time we play a good team, it’s the same bulls—,” Brown said then.
Brown also complained at the time that he didn’t draw any free throws in that game.
“Zero free throws tonight,” Brown said then. “The inconsistency is crazy. Give me the fine.”
After the NBA fined him for those comments the next day, Brown spoke out again. He said something needed to be said, and that the Celtics deserved more respect from the referees.
“The analytics show that our team is dead last (in free-throw attempts),” Brown said. “And it feels like inconsistencies as well. So hopefully they put some time in and review it. But I feel like defenders and stuff are getting away with a lot, and it makes my job a lot harder.”
This story will be updated.
