The Boston Celtics dropped their inaugural NBA Cup game to the Atlanta Hawks in a nail-biting 117-116 loss at TD Garden on Tuesday night. Despite a massive 37-point effort from Jaylen Brown, the Celtics were plagued by turnovers and couldn’t secure the win in the final seconds. A last-gasp tip-in from Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu sealed the victory for the undermanned Hawks, leaving Boston to start their tournament run with a disappointing loss at home.
A Promising Start Undone by Costly Turnovers
Boston came out strong on their new, vibrant green court, looking ready to dominate a Hawks team missing its star player, Trae Young. The Celtics built a comfortable 15-point lead midway through the third quarter, appearing to have the game firmly under control at 75-60.
However, the team’s early momentum was completely derailed by sloppy ball-handling. Boston committed 20 turnovers throughout the game, which Atlanta consistently converted into points. This allowed the Hawks to chip away at the lead and stay in the game until the very end. Jaylen Brown, for all his scoring, was responsible for six of those turnovers, highlighting a team-wide issue that ultimately cost them the game.
A Chaotic Finish Sees Hawks Snatch Victory
The final minutes were a frantic back-and-forth battle. Jaylen Brown hit a crucial three-pointer to put Boston ahead 114-110 with just over a minute left. But the Hawks refused to back down, with Larry Nance Jr. answering with a three of his own.
After Brown made it 116-113, Atlanta’s Keaton Wallace scored to pull within one. Jayson Tatum had a chance to extend Boston’s lead but missed his shot. The deciding sequence came when Onyeka Okongwu tipped in a missed shot with only 6.1 seconds remaining, giving the Hawks their first lead since the opening minutes. With no timeouts left, a final desperation heave from Brown fell short, cementing the stunning comeback for Atlanta.
Brown Shines Bright as Tatum Struggles to Find Rhythm
Jaylen Brown was the clear standout for the Celtics, starting the game on fire with 16 points in the first quarter alone. His aggressive play kept Boston in front for most of the night, and he finished with a game-high 37 points. Coach Joe Mazzulla rode Brown’s hot hand early, keeping him on the court for the entire first quarter.
Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, had a difficult night finding his shot. He struggled from the field and contributed to the team’s ball-control problems.
| Player | Points | Field Goals | Turnovers |
| Jaylen Brown | 37 | 14-for-29 | 6 |
| Jayson Tatum | 15 | 5-for-16 | 5 |
This contrast in performance was a major factor in the game’s outcome, as Boston couldn’t get enough consistent production from its two stars simultaneously.
Hawks’ Hustle and Key Performances Overcome Star’s Absence
Playing without Trae Young, the Hawks relied on a team effort and hustle plays to stay competitive. They focused on scoring in the paint and creating second-chance opportunities, which paid off down the stretch. Their resilience was on full display in the final quarter.
Several players stepped up to fill the void left by Young’s absence, delivering crucial performances that fueled the comeback.
- Dyson Daniels led the charge with an impressive 28 points and 6 steals, constantly disrupting Boston’s offense.
- Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Onyeka Okongwu, besides hitting the game-winning shot, was a force inside all night.
This collective effort allowed the Hawks to overcome their roster challenges and steal a significant road win to open their NBA Cup campaign.
What’s Next for the Celtics in the NBA Cup?
This loss puts the Celtics in a tough position early in the group stage of the tournament. To advance to the elimination round, they will need to bounce back quickly and clean up their execution. The focus will undoubtedly be on reducing turnovers and improving their late-game defense.
Coach Joe Mazzulla and his team will now turn their attention to upcoming games against the Wizards, Cavaliers, and Bulls. This opening loss serves as a wake-up call for a team with championship aspirations. They must rediscover their winning form to keep their NBA Cup hopes alive.
