The Boston Celtics suffered a disappointing defeat on Tuesday night, losing 117-116 to a shorthanded Atlanta Hawks team despite holding a 15-point lead in the second half. The Celtics entered the game as 16.5-point favorites.
Boston began the game slowly but found their rhythm in the second quarter, leading at halftime with impressive contributions from Jaylen Brown, who scored 20 points, and Derrick White, who added 14 points. The Hawks, missing four key players including All-Star Trae Young, started the game at a disadvantage with Keaton Wallace filling in as a two-way guard.
Despite their sizable lead, the Celtics struggled to maintain their edge. The Hawks capitalized on their dominance in the paint, outscoring Boston 68-32 in that area and collecting 18 second chance points. With less than a minute remaining, Onyeka Okongwu made a crucial go-ahead bucket, while Brown missed a chance to win the game as time expired. Brown ended with a team-high 37 points, and White contributed 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with 28 points.
After this game, the Celtics saw their two-game winning streak come to an end, bringing their record to 9-3 for the season. They will face the Cleveland Cavaliers next Tuesday night at TD Garden before taking on the Brooklyn Nets shortly after in a quick turnaround.
Key takeaways from the game include:
1. **Jaylen Brown’s Offensive Resurgence**: Overcoming recent hip issues, Brown showcased his scoring ability with an explosive performance, especially in the first half. His strong offensive game included crucial free-throw opportunities, although he did struggle with his free-throw shooting towards the end.
2. **Strategic Adjustments by Coach Joe Mazzulla**: Mazzulla made a surprising move by keeping both stars, Brown and Jayson Tatum, on the court for the entire first quarter. This strategy paid off as the reserves fared well alongside the duo, suggesting that Mazzulla might consider this approach more often in the future.
3. **Uncharacteristic Sloppiness**: The Celtics committed 20 turnovers, a season high, which allowed the Hawks to stay competitive. This lapse in judgment from Boston’s stars contributed significantly to the team’s inability to close out the game effectively.
4. **Hawks’ Strong Trades**: Early indications suggest the Hawks may have benefitted from their trade involving Dejounte Murray, with Dyson Daniels emerging as a promising player and the potential for additional long-term gains through draft picks.
While this loss is certainly a setback for the Celtics, it also serves as a wake-up call and an opportunity for growth. They can learn from their mistakes and continue to improve as they move forward in the season. With strong performances from players like Brown and White, there is potential for better outcomes in upcoming games.