For the first time in his career, Kemba Walker of the Boston Celtics was ejected in their game with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Per Jay King of The Athletic, Walker believed that his ejection might have turned the tide in favor of the Spurs.
Kemba Walker thought his ejection helped swing the game back to the Spurs after the Celtics got momentum. Walker said he lost a little weight from his sickness, but was happy to be back out there with his teammates.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 9, 2020
Walker noted that it was the referee's choice to eject him.
Kemba Walker said he thought the ref missed a call, he voiced his opinion and the rest was history.
“It was his choice. Obviously it’s on those guys to make a decision. And he made it.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 9, 2020
Kemba Walker also pointed out that he's a two-time winner of the sportsmanship award. Thus, the referees should've known that he was simply trying to voice out his opinion and doesn't have the intention of causing a ruckus.
Kemba Walker said it was his first time ever ejected. Pointed out he’s also a two time sportsmanship award winner. Thinks maybe he should get the benefit of a little more leeway.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 9, 2020
Below is the controversial play which got Walker ejected. After being floored from a screen by LaMarcus Aldridge, Walker quickly got up and walked toward the referee nearby. After mouthing a few sentences with expletives, Walker was tossed out of the game.
Kemba Walker has been ejected from game vs. Spurs 🤦 pic.twitter.com/cXCXaRaiAO
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 9, 2020
In 18 minutes of action, Walker had six points, three rebounds, and four assists. As he mentioned, the momentum was on the Celtics' side at that point. But after he left, the Spurs shut the door on them and snagged a convincing 129-114 victory.
The NBA released a pool report on the three-time All-Star's rejection. In the report, the official noted that the first technical foul was handed to the guard because he used ‘profanity towards an official.' The second one, which led to the ejection, was tagged because he ‘continued to use profanity.'
POOL REPORT ON THE KEMBA WALKER EJECTION: pic.twitter.com/ymHTQJJeRw
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) January 9, 2020
Walker's clean slate is now a thing in the past. The referees, meanwhile, will continue to get a ribbing from diehard Celtics fans.
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