The Boston Celtics suffered a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, surrendering a 15-point second-half lead to ultimately fall 117-116. This defeat occurred during their first matchup in Group C of the Emirates NBA Cup, despite the Celtics being significant 16.5-point favorites heading into the contest.
The game began sluggishly for Boston, but the team managed to gain control in the second quarter, thanks to strong performances from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the former contributing 20 points and the latter adding 14 by halftime. The Hawks were missing four key rotation players, including All-Star guard Trae Young, which forced them to start two-way guard Keaton Wallace and compete from a positional disadvantage.
The Celtics appeared poised for victory with their largest lead of 15 points in the second half, but the Hawks battled back, dominating in the paint with a staggering 68-32 advantage and securing 18 second-chance points. Onyeka Okongwu gave Atlanta the lead with a crucial offensive rebound in the final minute, while Jaylen Brown, who led all scorers with 37 points, had a chance to win the game but missed as time expired. Derrick White chipped in with 31 points for Boston, while Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with 28 points.
With this loss, the Celtics snapped their two-game winning streak and fell to a 9-3 season record. They will look to rebound as they prepare for their next NBA Cup game against the Cleveland Cavaliers next Tuesday and a rematch with the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Key takeaways from the game highlight some positives despite the setback.
1. **Jaylen Brown’s Resurgence:** After struggling in his previous game due to a hip issue, Brown displayed offensive brilliance against the Hawks. His performance included 16 points in the first quarter and crucial scoring drives that contributed to his high tally. Although his late-game free throw shooting faltered, his overall production demonstrated his return to form.
2. **Tactical Flexibility by Joe Mazzulla:** In a notable shift, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to keep both stars, Jayson Tatum and Brown, on the floor together during the first quarter. This strategic choice paid off, as their collective presence helped maintain momentum into the second quarter, suggesting that Mazzulla may employ this strategy more frequently.
3. **Sloppy Turnovers:** Despite the strong start, the Celtics’ 20 turnovers were a major contributor to their loss and well above their season average. This carelessness allowed the Hawks to capitalize with 19 points off turnovers, underscoring that maintaining ball control is crucial for future success.
4. **The Hawks’ Bright Future:** Atlanta’s acquisition of Dyson Daniels, along with two first-round picks and Larry Nance Jr., appears to be a wise move. Daniels has showcased promise early in his career, and the trade’s long-term benefits may prove significant for the Hawks.
In summary, while the Celtics experienced a frustrating defeat, elements of individual performance and strategic adjustments highlight opportunities for growth and improvement moving forward in the season. As Boston prepares for their upcoming games, there is hope for a quicker turnaround and renewed focus, which could help them regain their winning momentum.