Tatum scores 32, Celtics pull away to beat Hornets 124-109 after two Charlotte players are ejected

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jayson Tatum had 32 points and 11 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 25 points and the Boston Celtics pulled away late to beat Charlotte 124-109 in a heated game Friday night that saw two Hornets players ejected .

Derrick White had 17 points and Jrue Holiday scored 14 for Boston.

LaMelo Ball had 31 points before fouling out to lead the Hornets, who continue to play without injured starters Brandon Miller and Mark Williams.

The game got messy in the fourth quarter when Grant Williams was ejected for a flagrant foul 2 after running over Tatum at halfcourt.

Moments later, Ball fouled Tatum on a three-point attempt and was assessed a flagrant foul for a dangerous foul. Then Miles Bridges was ejected in the final seconds.

The game pitted new Hornets head coach Charles Lee against the team he won an NBA championship with last season as an assistant coach.

The Hornets got a strong game from rookie Tidjane Salaun, who had nine points on three threes.

Takeaways

Celtics: Boston showed its championship strength by keeping a cool head as the Hornets imploded. The Celtics took advantage of 26 fouls against the Hornets, while only committing 13.

Hornets: Center will be a problem for the Hornets. Starter Mark Williams has not played this season and Nick Richards left the game with shoulder soreness. Charlotte could play with a small ball for a while.

Key moment

After the Hornets closed within six, Jrue Holiday knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing with 2:24 left to give the Celtics some breathing room.

Key stat

The Celtics were 29 of 35 from the foul line.

Next

The teams meet again on the same field on Saturday evening.