In an unexpected turn of events, the Boston Celtics squandered a 15-point lead in the second half and lost to a depleted Atlanta Hawks team with a score of 117-116 on Tuesday night, marking a disappointing start to pool play in Group C of the Emirates NBA Cup. Despite entering the game as 16.5-point favorites, the Celtics couldn’t maintain their advantage.
The Boston team seemed to find their rhythm after a slow start, taking control in the second quarter with standout performances from Jaylen Brown, who scored 20 points, and Derrick White, who added 14 points by halftime. The Hawks, lacking four key players including All-Star guard Trae Young, struggled throughout the match and relied on two-way guard Keaton Wallace, putting them at a disadvantage.
The Celtics enjoyed a 15-point lead during the second half, but the Hawks rallied, dominating the paint with an impressive 68-32 rebound advantage and scoring 18 second-chance points. Onyeka Okongwu scored a crucial go-ahead basket in the final minute, while Jaylen Brown’s attempt for a game-winning shot fell short as time expired. Brown finished as the top scorer of the game with 37 points, while Derrick White contributed 31. Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with 28 points, demonstrating their depth despite the missing star players.
With this loss, the Celtics saw their two-game winning streak end, bringing their overall record to 9-3. Their next chance to bounce back will be against the Cleveland Cavaliers next Tuesday at TD Garden, followed by a quick rematch with the Brooklyn Nets.
Key takeaways from Tuesday night’s game include:
1. **Jaylen Brown Rounding Back to Form**: After facing hip issues that kept him out for four games, Brown showcased his scoring ability against Atlanta, demonstrating improvements in his offensive rhythm.
2. **Rotation Strategy from Joe Mazzulla**: Coach Mazzulla surprised many with a strategic decision to keep both of his stars on the court during the entire first quarter, a rarely employed tactic. This bold move seemed to yield positive results, making it an option for future games.
3. **Turnovers Proving Costly**: Despite their strong start, the Celtics were hindered by a season-high 20 turnovers, which allowed the Hawks to stay competitive throughout the match and capitalized on Boston’s mistakes, scoring 19 points off turnovers.
4. **Hawks’ Successful Trade**: Though it’s early in the season, the Hawks’ acquisition of Dyson Daniels appears to be a beneficial trade. His defensive prowess and reliable scoring add depth to their lineup following the breakup of the Murray-Young backcourt.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will be eager to regroup and refocus as they face their upcoming challenges. The team’s depth and talent provide plenty of opportunities for future success, and with adjustments to their game plan, they could turn this setback into a motivator for improvement.
In summary, while the Celtics faced a tough loss, the potential for growth and improved performance remains a hopeful outlook for the rest of the season.