The Pool Report interview was conducted by Rod Boone (Charlotte Observer) with Crew Chief James Williams following tonight’s Celtics at Hornets game.  

QUESTION: Why was Grant Williams ejected?

WILLIAMS: Grant Williams was ejected from the game because his foul was upgraded to a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 and per rule that carries an automatic ejection. At review we saw that he accelerated his speed prior to the contact, and so he makes significant contact with the dribbler. The acceleration is considered wind up, the impact was significant, potential for injury, so this was determined to be unnecessary and excessive, which gets us to a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2. Again, by rule, that is an automatic ejection from the game.

QUESTION: Why was LaMelo Ball’s foul upgraded?

WILLIAMS: We reviewed the play for a potential landing foul on the close out. At review, we saw that his close out was reckless in nature due to the distance covered and to the fact that his left foot is right underneath the shooter’s landing area. And the shooter does in fact come down on that left foot with his right foot and his ankles twist. We deem this unnecessary and reckless, therefore it was upgraded to a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1.

QUESTION: Why was Miles Bridges ejected?

WILLIAMS: He received one Technical Foul, one unsportsmanlike Technical Foul, for knocking the ball into the stands-bench area with force. By rule, that is one Technical and an automatic ejection.