BOSTON — In an exciting NBA Cup matchup, the Atlanta Hawks soared back from a 15-point deficit in the second half to secure a thrilling 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics. The decisive moment came when Onyeka Okongwu managed to tip in a missed shot with just 6.1 seconds remaining, while Jaylen Brown’s last-second jumper failed to find the basket, sealing the win for the Hawks.
Dyson Daniels delivered an impressive performance, achieving a career-high 28 points, while Jalen Johnson contributed significantly with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. This victory halted the Hawks’ two-game losing streak, impressively managed without their star player, Trae Young, who is sidelined due to Achilles tendinitis.
For the Celtics, it was a standout night for Brown, who scored a season-high 37 points, complemented by Derrick White’s 31 points. As the Celtics opened the in-season tournament on their uniquely designed green parquet floor, they saw their two-game winning streak come to a halt, marking only their third defeat this season.
A noteworthy takeaway from the game is that the Hawks exhibited more cohesiveness and effectiveness in Young’s absence compared to their previous encounter with the Celtics on November 4, where they were overwhelmed in a 123-93 loss.
A pivotal moment of the match occurred with 24 seconds on the clock when Jayson Tatum’s three-point attempt from the left corner rolled out, leaving Boston ahead 116-115. Dyson Daniels then missed a floater, but Okongwu was there to tip it in, giving the Hawks a crucial lead for the first time since the last moments of the first quarter. Following a series of turnovers on inbounds plays, White found Brown, who attempted a jumper from 13 feet but missed the shot.
An interesting statistic from the game reveals Tatum reached a notable milestone, surpassing Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn in career points for the Celtics. Tatum’s total now stands at 12,208, moving him to 12th on the franchise’s all-time scoring list.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will host the Washington Wizards in another NBA Cup game on Friday, while the Celtics will travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.