The Celtics Struggle to Lead the Eastern Conference
The Boston Celtics are finding it difficult to stay on top of the Eastern Conference, with four losses in their last seven games. They suffered a tough loss at home to the Atlanta Hawks in overtime (115-119), leaving them 6.5 wins behind the lead and the same distance from falling to play-in positions.
The Hawks, who were trailing by 10 points at the start of the fourth quarter (85-75), mounted a strong comeback. The Celtics struggled with their three-point shots, making only 15 out of 52 attempts. Derrick White made 5 out of 16, while Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each made 2 out of 9.
Trae Young stood out for the Hawks with 28 points and 11 assists. His performance was crucial in securing the win for Atlanta. The Hawks also had notable performances from Dyson Daniels, who scored 23 points, and Onyeka Okongwu, who added 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Notable Standouts for the Hawks
In extra time, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu made key plays to seal the win for the Hawks. Daniels’ shot and Okongwu’s free throws gave the Hawks a 115-118 lead with 11 seconds left. Jayson Tatum missed a three-pointer, and Jalen Johnson grabbed the rebound and made one of two free throws. Payton Pritchard then missed another three-pointer, securing the win for the Hawks.
Kristaps Porzingis was out for the Celtics, and Jayson Tatum was a doubt due to a left shoulder strain. Despite this, Tatum ended with 23 points, while Jaylen Brown was the top scorer for the Celtics with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Derrick White added 21 points.
Key Takeaways from the Game
– The Celtics lost their fourth game in seven, struggling to stay on top of the Eastern Conference.
– The Hawks mounted a strong comeback, with Trae Young standing out with 28 points and 11 assists.
– The Celtics had a tough night with three-point shots, making only 15 out of 52 attempts.
– Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu made key plays in extra time to secure the win for the Hawks.
– Jaylen Brown was the top scorer for the Celtics with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.