NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 03: JJ Redick #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the thrid quarter of an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on February 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans guard J.J. Redick was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics for … rolling the ball to a ref?
The Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans had an intense, back-and-forth battle on Sunday evening. With Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum trading clutch shots late in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans ultimately prevailed with a 120-115 victory in overtime. Sadly, guard J.J. Redick was not part of the action late due to an absurd reason.
Early in the fourth quarter, play was paused once Redick had possession of the ball. After the whistle, Redick rolled the ball back to referee Josh Tiven, who apparently took exception to that. He called the veteran guard for a technical foul, his second of the game. As a result, Redick was ejected from the game.
Redick’s absurd ejection
It was certainly a baffling reason to eject Redick, whose night ended with a nearly a full quarter of left in regulation. Fortunately, the Pelicans held their own without him. New Orleans would overcome a 24-point deficit in the second-half to force overtime and win, marking their largest comeback in franchise history.
Redick would only log 18 minutes of playing time, scoring 4 points and chipping in 3 assists on 1-of-4 shooting. The Pelicans youngsters in Williamson and Ingram would lead the way. Ingram tallied 33 points (on 11-of-22 shooting from field) and 6 rebounds, while Williamson recorded 28 points (11-of-21 shooting) to go with 10 rebounds and 4 assists.
While the ejection stung, you better believe Redick was ecstatic that the Pelicans were able to walk out of the arena with a W. But seriously, this ejection will be talked about as one of the worst of the season.