While much of the conversation surrounding the Boston Celtics-San Antonio Spurs contest focused on Jaylen Brown's ejection, Jayson Tatum turned some of his attention to another call. Or in this case a non-call. And that included Victor Vembanyama.
At one point during the game, the Celtics star went into the lane to get a bucket. As the ball passed through the hoop, Wemby gave Tatum a slight push. There was no foul play.
Tatum minced no words in describing the incident.
Jayson Tatum scores a basket and then Victor Wembanyama pushes it in, it's interesting.
🤔 🤔 pic.twitter.com/gRQb7SzU5P
- SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) 11 March 2026
"I mean, there was definitely a talk about it between me and the ref. I was like, how did you not see it!"
Tatum's comments came just minutes later and in the same locker room spot where teammate Derrick White called two technical fouls on Brown "bullsh*t."
“I said so on the way back.” Tatum continued his comments. "Yeah, I stopped talking and just went back into the crowd."
"I said so, didn't you really see him?"⬇️
The Jaylen Brown ejection wasn't the only call (or lack of one) that got the Celtics heated after last night's loss #spurs
-Jason Tatum answers question about Wembley initiating contact, but not being whistled on Tatum lay-up pic.twitter.com/Ghk5cjbZNv
- Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) 11 March 2026
In his third game of the year, due to an Achilles injury suffered during the playoffs, Tatum scored a season-high 24 at the Alamo City. Vembanyama scored the highest score of 39 points in the game.
Jayson Tatum reacts to Jaylen Brown's firing
Tatum's thoughts on the drama involving Wembley come after he shared his thoughts on Brown's firing.
"I disagreed with that. They made a big deal about prime-time games and the stars playing and being available. You definitely got a push, and it probably wasn't very good at first. The emotions are here, so I can tell you, you have to understand a nationally televised game between the best teams in the league. When you make a big deal about the stars playing and being available, you make everybody want to finish the game. So, I disagree with that."
Tatum, who has held the position for the past six seasons, was the Celtics' leading scorer last year, admitting he felt the need to do more. However, in reality, he could do very little with half the competition watching on the bench.
When the four-time All-NBA First Team selection was asked if he was ready for 35 minutes per night, down from about 27 minutes per outing, "I can play more."
"But, I understand the bigger picture," Tatum continued. "Right now, I'm not thinking about my soreness. I mean, I'm trying to compete, I'm trying to be out there, but it's part of the plan, so I have to stick with it."
The third overall pick in 2017 saw the court for 24 minutes in a 125–116 loss to the Spurs.
"I feel good," Tatum said after helping Boston keep it close against a team that has won 16 of 17 contests, including this one.
“You have to give them credit,” the former Duke star said of the Spurs. "They made some plays, they hit some big shots. I felt like we missed some shots that we normally make. We competed to the end. Guys stepped up in a big way."
"They're a fun team to watch," Tatum continued about San Antonio, "They're very competitive, and you can see why they've had such a good season."
