The Boston Celtics started strong against the Atlanta Hawks, leading 66-36 in the second quarter. However, they lost 118–120 despite the Hawks playing without star player Trae Young. Celtics" Jayson Tatum expressed disappointment in the team"s performance, acknowledging that they messed up the game and need to improve.
The Celtics initially seemed on track for a typical blowout victory, holding a 30-point lead early in the second quarter. But the Hawks mounted a comeback, fueled by strong offensive play and the Celtics" missed shots. This momentum shift saw the Hawks take a four-point lead in the final quarter.
“It"s tough. You want to win every game you play. For us, people think we should never lose. We were up by a lot, we f***ed the game up, and we know that. We"re all adults and professionals and know we didn"t do the things necessary to win. I think that"s sometimes easier to fix when you know if you do the right things and play the right way. As KP said, let"s not overreact, take it on the chin, and get ready for Thursday" : Said Jason Tatum
Jayson Tatum: "We f—– the game up & we know that… take it on the chin and get ready for Thursday" pic.twitter.com/uYgsqlokkD
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 26, 2024
Missing defensive players like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White made the Celtics vulnerable to the Hawks" potent offense, led by players like DeAndre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Dejounte Murray, and Vit Krejci.
Despite Tatum"s impressive performance with 37 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, his lack of defensive engagement contributed to the Celtics" inability to secure the win.
