The Boston Celtics (9-3) started the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup on an unfortunate ending, falling to the Atlanta Hawks 117-116 in the opening game on Tuesday night. In a game where Atlanta was without their top superstar in point guard Trae Young, but were led by a career-night from point guard Dyson Daniels and a triple-double from forward Jaylon Johnson.
Even with season-high point totals from Jaylen Brown (37) and Derrick White (31) the Celtics were held back by turnovers and allowed too many offensive rebounds (19) to Atlanta to keep plays alive. Following the loss, head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke to the media about the loss and said that the Hawks played more physical, and a team that put themselves in position to win.
Admitting that the Celtics have struggled with their rim protection, especially in this loss to Atlanta, Mazzulla added that the Hawks were getting whatever they wanted at the rim, against anybody.
The team has a quick turnaround after their one-point loss to Atlanta, and will face the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn on the second night of a back-to-back. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Joe Mazzulla: “Hawks outplayed us on both ends of the court”
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