Tatum scores 32 points and the Celtics pull away, beating the Hornets 124-109 after two Charlotte players were 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 sent off became.

Derrick White had 17 points and Jrue Holiday added 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 rough in the fourth quarter when Grant Williams was sent off for a flagrant foul 2 after running over Tatum near halfcourt.

Moments later, Ball fouled Tatum on a 3-point attempt and was flagged for a flagrant foul. Then, in the final seconds, Miles Bridges was ejected.

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

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

Takeaways

Celtics: Boston continued to show its championship mettle by keeping its cool as the Hornets imploded. The Celtics benefited from 26 fouls against the Hornets while only committing 13.

Hornets: Center becomes a problem for the Hornets. Starting center Mark Williams did not play this season and Nick Richards left the game with shoulder soreness. Charlotte could play small ball for a while.

Key moment

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

Key statistics

The Celtics were 29 of 35 from the foul line.

The teams will meet again on the same pitch on Saturday evening.