The Boston Celtics suffered a disappointing defeat on Tuesday night, losing to the Atlanta Hawks 117-116 after leading by as many as 15 points in the second half. This match marked the Celtics’ opening game in pool play of Group C at the Emirates NBA Cup, with Boston entering the contest as 16.5-point favorites.
Despite a strong performance in the first half, where Jaylen Brown and Derrick White combined for 34 points, Boston struggled to maintain their momentum against a Hawks team missing four rotation players, including All-Star Trae Young. The Celtics initially took control but fell victim to a resilient Hawks squad that dominated the paint with a significant 68-32 rebounding advantage and capitalized on second-chance opportunities.
In the final moments, Onyeka Okongwu’s go-ahead basket sealed the victory for Atlanta, while a potential game-winner from Jaylen Brown fell short as time expired. Brown led all scorers with 37 points, with White contributing 31. Dyson Daniels led a balanced Hawks attack with 28 points.
This loss snapped the Celtics’ two-game winning streak, bringing their season record to 9-3. They are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in their next NBA Cup game on Tuesday night at TD Garden, followed by a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
Four key insights emerged from the game:
1. **Jaylen Brown’s Return to Form**: After struggling with offensive consistency in his previous outing, Brown seemed to find his rhythm against the Hawks, showcasing his scoring prowess. His ability to attack the basket and earn free throws highlighted his importance to the team’s success.
2. **Coaching Strategy**: Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla made an interesting tactical decision by keeping both Brown and Jayson Tatum on the floor for the entirety of the first quarter. This strategy paid off as it allowed the two stars to establish an early rhythm before the team utilized its bench.
3. **Turnover Troubles**: A season-high 20 turnovers proved costly for Boston, as careless passing led to scoring opportunities for Atlanta. This lack of discipline is unusual for the Celtics and ultimately impacted their chances of securing the win.
4. **Hawks’ Trade Success**: The acquisition of Dyson Daniels appears to be a promising move for Atlanta. With his defensive skills and scoring ability, Daniels has quickly become a valuable asset, bolstering the team’s performance without Murray.
While the loss was a disappointment for the Celtics, it provides an opportunity for reflection and growth. Learning from this experience, recognizing areas for improvement, and bouncing back in upcoming games can help the team strengthen its resolve. Fans can remain hopeful that the Celtics will regroup and show resilience as they continue their season.