In a shocking twist, the Boston Celtics squandered a substantial 15-point lead during the second half, ultimately succumbing to a depleted Atlanta Hawks team in a nail-biting contest that ended 117-116 on Tuesday night. This game was pivotal as it marked the Celtics’ opening matchup of pool play in Group C of the Emirates NBA Cup, and they entered as heavy favorites, boasting a 16.5 point spread.
Despite a sluggish start, the Celtics found their rhythm in the second quarter and built a robust double-digit lead by halftime, fueled by standout performances, including Jaylen Brown’s impressive 20 points and Derrick White’s commendable 14 points. The Hawks, significantly hampered by the absence of four rotation players, including All-Star guard Trae Young, made do with a less experienced lineup featuring two-way guard Keaton Wallace, which put them at a disadvantage throughout the game.
The Celtics, holding a commanding 15-point lead in the second half, witnessed a remarkable comeback from the Hawks, who dominated the paint with a staggering 68-32 advantage in points scored down low, coupled with 18 second-chance points. In a dramatic turn of events, Onyeka Okongwu delivered a crucial go-ahead basket in the final minute, while Jaylen Brown, who led his team with a remarkable 37 points, missed a potential game-winning shot as the clock expired. Derrick White contributed significantly with 31 points in this unexpected loss, while Dyson Daniels led a balanced Hawks attack with 28 points, showcasing the depth of the team despite their shorthanded status.
The Celtics’ defeat ended their two-game winning streak, leaving them with a record of 9-3 for the season. Looking ahead, Boston will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers next Tuesday night at the TD Garden, spotlighting another crucial match in the NBA Cup.
With a quick turnaround on the horizon, the Celtics are set to clash with the Brooklyn Nets for the second time this month, taking place at Barclays Center on Wednesday night, further heightening the competitive atmosphere of the season.
Here are four key takeaways from the Celtics’ performance on Tuesday night:
Jaylen Brown finds his offensive groove after hip issues: After struggling to find his offensive rhythm during his recent return from a hip injury, Jaylen Brown rebounded impressively against a vulnerable Hawks defense. He opened the game with a flurry, scoring 16 points in the first quarter and leading all scorers at halftime with a total of 20 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the field. While most of his early points came from inside the arc, he also nailed two crucial three-pointers in the final quarter. Brown capitalized on Atlanta’s defensive lapses, drawing fouls to reach the free-throw line 10 times and making 11-of-15 shots from inside the arc. However, he did face challenges at the charity stripe, converting only 6-of-10 free throws late in the fourth quarter.
A surprise rotation tweak by Joe Mazzulla: In a departure from his usual strategy, Head Coach Joe Mazzulla surprised fans by playing both of his stars, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, for the entire first quarter. This marked a departure from the typical routine where they split their minutes, with Tatum often playing the entire first quarter while Brown rested. Given Brown’s hot start, Mazzulla’s decision proved beneficial; the Celtics’ reserves managed to keep pace alongside Derrick White and Jrue Holiday as the second quarter commenced. This strategic adjustment raises questions about whether Mazzulla might incorporate this approach more regularly to enhance his stars’ early-game rhythm moving forward.
The Hawks may have won the Dejounte Murray trade already: Although it’s still early in the season and an injury to Murray could shift perceptions, the Hawks appear to have significantly benefited from their recent trade for the talented guard. Dyson Daniels, at only 21, has quickly showcased his defensive aptitude and a reliable three-point shooting capability, promising to be an asset moving forward. With two additional first-round picks and seasoned backup Larry Nance Jr. as part of the deal, Atlanta has positioned itself well after dispersing a backcourt duo that had stagnated in their growth.
**Interview with NBA Analyst Mark Thompson Following Celtics’ Shocking Loss to Hawks**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mark. The Boston Celtics suffered a surprising defeat against a depleted Atlanta Hawks team. What were your initial thoughts on how the Celtics let this game slip away?
**Mark Thompson:** It was indeed shocking. The Celtics had a solid start, building a 15-point lead, and with such a stacked roster, the expectation was that they would secure the win comfortably. However, basketball is a game of runs, and the Hawks capitalized on their opportunities, especially in the paint. Their ability to score 68 points down low against Boston is a testament to their resilience, even without key players like Trae Young.
**Interviewer:** Jaylen Brown seemed to have an impressive night, scoring 37 points. Was his performance enough to overpower the Hawks on its own?
**Mark Thompson:** Brown’s performance was stellar, especially considering he was dealing with hip issues prior to this game. He found his rhythm early and kept his team in it. However, while individual brilliance is crucial, basketball is a team sport, and the supporting cast didn’t do enough to maintain that lead. Derrick White also had a great game with 31 points, but the defense faltered in the second half, and they couldn’t close the game out.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of defense, the Celtics struggled particularly with rebounding. How did that impact the outcome?
**Mark Thompson:** The rebounding was a major factor. The Hawks’ 18 second-chance points show that Boston allowed Atlanta multiple opportunities to convert missed shots. Effective rebounding shifts momentum, and when Atlanta managed to dominate in the paint, it allowed them to stay in the game and eventually claw their way back. It exposes a vulnerability in the Celtics’ defense that they need to address moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, they have a quick turnaround with a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers followed by the Brooklyn Nets. What should the Celtics focus on in practice to bounce back?
**Mark Thompson:** They need to focus on defensive communication and securing rebounds. It’s also crucial for them to maintain offensive energy throughout the game; they can’t afford to let up when they have a lead. Conditioning and mental toughness will be essential as they prepare for the intensity of back-to-back games. They have the talent to rebound from this loss, but they need to learn from this experience to avoid similar outcomes in the future.
**Interviewer:** Thanks, Mark, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how the Celtics adjust in their upcoming games.
**Mark Thompson:** Absolutely! It’s all part of the NBA season – every game is a learning experience. Thank you for having me!
