Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum Struggles, Ejected in Loss to New York Knicks

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum had a tough Monday night. In yesterday's 109-94 loss to the New York Knicks, the four-time All-Star toiled through a tough shooting night to log a mere 14 points before eventually earning the first ejection of his career in the fourth quarter.

Josh Hart's reaction to Tatum getting ejected 😅😂 pic.twitter.com/dnvubcHET8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 28, 2023

Tatum finished his night hitting an ugly six of his 18 field goal attempts but added seven rebounds, nine assists, and one steal. He earned his ejection on a technical foul by complaining to a referee following a Josh Hart made three. Clearly, the ref heard something he didn't like. It was the Celtics' first loss with Tatum starting since a February 3rd 106-94 defeat to the Phoenix Suns. It was also the Knicks' sixth straight win.

The loss dropped the Celtics to 44-18 and moved them down to second in the Eastern Conference behind the Milwaukee Bucks. Monday may have been Tatum's second straight middling game (he hit seven of 17 FGA for 18 points against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday), but he remains one of the NBA's truly elite young players. The 24-year-old is averaging 30.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game with a solid .602 true shooting percentage over 58 appearances this season.

The Celtics will have a chance to bounce back when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.