Celtics Fall to Hawks, Okongwu Sinks Game Winner
The Boston Celtics, riding high after a recent hot streak, stumbled in Atlanta on Wednesday night, falling to the Hawks 112-110 in a thrilling finish. The game came down to the wire, with the Celtics having a chance to tie the game in the final seconds, but a missed shot by Jayson Tatum allowed the Hawks to secure the victory.
Okongwu’s Heroics
The hero of the night for Atlanta was center Onyeka Okongwu, who scored a career-high 24 points, including the game-winning layup with just 2.4 seconds remaining. Okongwu was a force in the paint, dominating the boards and using his athleticism to create scoring opportunities.
Tatum Struggles
While Okongwu shone, Tatum struggled to find his rhythm. He finished with 23 points but shot just 9-for-24 from the field, including a crucial miss on the potential game-tying attempt. The Celtics were clearly missing the scoring punch of Jaylen Brown, who sat out the game due to a hamstring injury.
Close Contest Throughout
The game was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish. Neither team managed to gain a significant lead, with the score remaining tight throughout the contest. Both teams had their chances, but ultimately, the Hawks made the key plays down the stretch to secure the win.
What’s Next for Boston?
The Celtics will need to regroup quickly as they head back to Boston to face the Miami Heat on Friday. They’ll be looking to bounce back from this loss and continue their push for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. This loss highlights that even on a good run, any team can be upset on any given night.
The Celtics will need to find a way to overcome Tatum’s struggles and get contributions from the entire roster to maintain their place among the Eastern Conference’s elite.
Key Takeaways
- Onyeka Okongwu played a breakout game, showing his potential as a force in the paint.
- Jayson Tatum’s struggles were a major factor in the Celtics’ defeat.
- The Celtics must find a way to be more consistent, particularly in the closing moments of games.
Stay tuned for more Celtics coverage as they navigate the rest of the season.