Jayson Tatum didn’t think he said anything specifically that led to his ejection in Friday’s win over the 76ers. There appears to be a different reason.

Bill Kennedy, the crew chief of Friday’s game, explained to a pool reporter why the Celtics star was ejected at the end of the third quarter, when he was whistled for an offensive foul and continued to argue the call despite warnings to stop.

“Following a loose ball foul that was called on Jayson, Jayson continued to complain and was asked multiple times to head to his bench,” Kennedy said. “He continued to complain about the foul called on the floor and overtly gestures toward the officials and was assessed a second technical foul.”

Kennedy confirmed that Tatum was ejected solely on the basis of a second technical foul, and did not say anything that would have prompted an ejection regardless of how many technical fouls he had.

Tatum said that he disagreed with the foul call on him, and thought he was fouled on the play. He said he was trying to have a conversation with Kennedy about the play before being tossed.

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (0) fouls Philadelphia 76ers’ Robert Covington (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Tatum strongly disagreed with being ejected. He said he didn’t cuss or say a “magic word” that would have warranted being tossed.

“I was extremely surprised,” Tatum said. “I mean, y’all all saw what happened. You might not know what I said, but I mean, I guess whatever I said doesn’t matter, at this point. I don’t agree with that. One of the assistant coaches who was there with me doesn’t agree. But it doesn’t really matter, right? It’s like the refs word against ours. And at that moment, when they throw you out, they throw you out.”

Tatum wasn’t even thrown out by Kennedy. The two other referees nearby tossed the Celtics star at the same time as he continued to complain.

“They was ready,” Tatum said. “It was like, they was ready to throw me out. Again, one of the magic words? Did I cuss? No I didn’t. I didn’t have to say a cuss word. If you watch the clips you probably can read my lips. No hand gestures. …

“I’ve been in the league long enough, I’ve seen a lot worse behavior and reactions get tolerated for a lot longer. So for those two to throw me out the game, I was shocked. And it’s like you always say get your money’s worth, right, when you get fined for these techs. And I definitely did not get my money’s worth for getting thrown out the game tonight.”

Tatum emphasized that while he was frustrated, he wasn’t as angry as he may have seemed.

“I wasn’t that (expletive) mad,” Tatum said. “Don’t put that narrative out there. I didn’t throw nothing. I said what I said. There was no magic words, didn’t cuss. Assistant coach was right there, he heard me. I don’t know. Maybe they didn’t want me to play tonight; they was eager to get me out of there. I walked back (to the locker room) calmly, I sat in my chair, got some ice. I was not mad, I didn’t throw anything. It was like a joke. I had to laugh it off. So no, I didn’t cry, I didn’t throw anything. I got my ice and watched the rest of the game, watched us win.”