Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks on during a free throw against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

NBA admits to mistake with call on Celtics' Jayson Tatum

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Jan 3, 2025 5:41 PM ET

The NBA is quickly reversing course with a Jayson Tatum controversy from Thursday night’s game.

The Boston Celtics star Tatum was whistled for maybe the weakest technical foul of the entire season on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a teammate got hit with a shooting foul in the third quarter, Tatum briefly clapped his hands in frustration. While the clap wasn’t directed at anybody in particular, official Matt Kallio called a technical foul on an incredulous Tatum (video here).

On Friday though, the NBA corrected matters. They announced that Tatum’s technical foul had been rescinded upon league office review.

Jayson Tatum's (BOS) technical foul at 0:42 of the 3rd quarter on 1/2/25 (vs. MIN) has been rescinded upon league office review.

— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) January 3, 2025

Tatum led all scorers on Thursday with 33 points and also chipped in eight rebounds, nine assists, and three steals to help lead Boston to a 118-115 win over Minnesota. The one-shot technical he was called for ultimately did not affect the final outcome, and Tatum also now benefits in that he does not have to pay the automatic $2,000 fine issued by the NBA for every tech.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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