What Celtics’ Jayson Tatum said to get ejection in loss to Knicks: ‘Didn’t go my way’

NEW YORK — As the Celtics tried to mount a comeback attempt against the Knicks, the frustration level kept climbing throughout Monday’s game. It peaked right near the end of the 109-94 loss as Jayson Tatum was tossed after getting hit with his second technical foul of the game.

Normally, there are some choice words — often with some profanities thrown in — that lead to an ejection. But Tatum said he had more sarcastic comments for the referees as part of a maddening night for the Celtics.

“I just told him this was probably the best officiated game I’ve been a part of,” Tatum said. “I tried to give him a compliment. Didn’t go over so well. … Said it was the best officiated game I’ve been a part of. I meant it.”

The sequence to the ejection started on the previous possession, when Tatum thought he was fouled on his 3-point attempt and was hit on the arm. He took to Twitter postgame to voice his displeasure some more, joking that “this is what I get for fouling (LeBron James)” in the controversial win over the Lakers earlier this season.

Tatum initially jawed at the referees after the missed call. Then the Knicks hit a 3-pointer on the other end, and that’s when Tatum kept talking to the officials. That ultimately culminated in the ejection with 3:46 left in the game.

“I ain’t come in the locker room throwing Gatorade and kicking stuff over,” Tatum said. “I wasn’t mad. Literally came in, sat down, was watching the last three minutes, getting undressed and putting ice on my knees.”

Tatum was hit with his first tech with 44 seconds left in the third quarter. Tatum soared for the dunk, but he hung on the rim as there were multiple Knicks in any landing space. So Tatum didn’t think he got the tech for being on the rim too long, but instead for the gesture that he made afterwards.

The early end put the finishing touches on what was a tough overall day for Tatum as his struggles continued. Tatum wasn’t happy with his game against the Pacers despite the 30-point double-double. While he hit the game-winning 3-pointer against the Sixers, there were still some tough moments earlier in the game.

Tatum finished Monday’s loss with just 14 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on 6-for-18 shooting, including a 1-of-9 showing on 3-pointers. Tatum also had four turnovers and was a team-low minus-18 in his 37 minutes. But he shook off his inefficient numbers Monday and instead turned the page to Wednesday’s game against the Cavaliers back home at TD Garden.

“Get back home,” Tatum said. “I haven’t been home in two weeks. I miss my bed. See Deuce. Just get back home, get some home-cooked meals and get ready for Wednesday.”

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