Celtics star Jaylen Brown explains his view of first career ejection after heated exchange

The Celtics mostly cruised to a 133-123 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night, but the bigger story was Jaylen Brown’s first career ejection.

With 7:19 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Celtics star picked up two consecutive technical fouls. He received the first for disagreeing with a reach-in foul on Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley, then took issue with the second tech as well.

Brown was already on the Celtics bench when he got tossed. Incensed, he had to be held back from storming the court, and led down the tunnel.

“To be honest, I’m not sure,” he said when asked what led to the ejection. “Wish I would’ve 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. What I’m most upset about is, I should’ve got my (expletive) money’s worth.”

According to crew chief Mark Lindsay, the first tech was called “for use of profanity toward a game official.” The second was called for “a wave off directed at the official which under the ‘respect of the game’ guidelines is considered an overt gesture and unsportsmanlike act.”

Brown disagreed, and pointed out the logistical flaws of the situation.

“I think it’s a difference between showing emotion and being disrespectful or derogatory towards another person,” he explained. “I don’t think I was directing it towards him whatsoever, especially on the second (tech). It wasn’t even close. I’m on the bench, you know what I mean? I’m talking from the sideline, he can’t even hear anything I’m saying.

“I’m explaining to the ref and (the other ref) calls a second tech from the other side of the court, which is a clear example of somebody exercising their power to try to get somebody thrown out the game. I thought it was (expletive). It is what it is. We got the win.”

Boston’s head coach made it clear that he didn’t agree with the refs, either.

Brown received the first tech for telling the ref, “Don’t call that weak-ass (expletive),” Joe Mazzulla said. “I’ve been on the sidelines in the NBA for five years, and I’ve seen players act and say things that are way more disrespectful than that.”

“I’m doing everything I can to not cost myself $25,000,” he added, referencing the league’s steep fines.

Brown had 17 points and four assists in the team’s 16th win of the season. The Celtics are undefeated through their first 10 home games, and 17-0 in Boston dating back to last March. It’s also their second consecutive home game with an ejection. Jayson Tatum was sent packing after arguing a call in the third quarter of last Friday night’s 125-119 victory over the 76ers.