In a nail-biting finish, Onyeka Okongwu tipped in a missed shot with just 6.1 seconds remaining, and Jaylen Brown’s final jumper at the buzzer rimmed out as the Atlanta Hawks stunned the Boston Celtics, 117-116, in their NBA Cup opener on Tuesday night.
The Hawks overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half, battling back to secure a thrilling victory in what turned into one of the most dramatic games of the season.
Atlanta’s win was especially significant given the absence of their star point guard, Trae Young, who is sidelined with tendinitis in his right Achilles. Despite Young’s absence, the Hawks delivered an impressive performance, led by Dyson Daniels, who scored a career-high 28 points. Daniels was a constant offensive force, filling in admirably for Young and proving that the Hawks’ roster has the depth to compete even without their top scorer.
In addition to Daniels’ breakout game, Jalen Johnson delivered an all-around performance, posting 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists for his first career triple-double. Johnson’s versatility was a key factor in the Hawks’ ability to close the gap and eventually overtake Boston. With contributions from players across the board, Atlanta snapped a two-game losing streak and showed resilience despite playing shorthanded.
For the Celtics, it was a high-scoring affair led by the dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Brown poured in a season-high 37 points, while White added 31 points, showcasing the offensive potency that has defined Boston’s play this season. The Celtics had been riding high on a two-game winning streak, but their bid for a third consecutive victory fell short in the final moments.
Boston, also playing in the NBA Cup opener on a special green floor with a parquet design, looked poised to win, leading 116-115 with just 24 seconds left. However, a critical miss by Jayson Tatum on a 3-point attempt from the left corner kept the Celtics from extending their lead. Daniels missed a floater on the other end, but Okongwu’s awareness and timing allowed him to tip the miss back in, giving the Hawks their first lead since the final seconds of the first quarter.
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The final sequence of the game saw both teams exchange turnovers on inbounds passes before White found Brown for a mid-range jumper that would have won the game for Boston. Brown’s shot, however, clanged off the rim, sealing the dramatic one-point victory for Atlanta. The sequence was a microcosm of the game’s back-and-forth nature, where both teams had opportunities but were unable to capitalize on them in the dying moments.
The key moment in the game occurred with the clock winding down. Tatum’s missed 3-pointer, which could have effectively sealed the game for the Celtics, marked the turning point in the final seconds. Okongwu’s clutch tip-in followed by White’s errant pass to Brown left the Celtics with no chance to recover, as the Hawks secured a hard-fought win on the road.
In addition to Okongwu’s game-winning tip, there was another historic moment in the matchup. Jayson Tatum became the 12th player in Celtics history to surpass 12,000 career points, moving past Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. While Tatum’s individual milestone was a bright spot, it wasn’t enough to prevent the Celtics from falling short in a tight game.
The Celtics, despite their strong individual performances, struggled to close out the game, something they will need to address going forward. The loss snapped Boston’s two-game winning streak and marked only their third defeat of the season. Their inability to execute in crunch time, combined with missed opportunities down the stretch, cost them dearly in this thrilling NBA Cup opener.
For the Hawks, the victory was a statement win. Despite missing their star player in Trae Young, they showed their resilience and ability to win as a team. With key contributions from Daniels, Johnson, and Okongwu, Atlanta proved they can contend with the league’s best, even in difficult circumstances. This victory also gives the Hawks momentum heading into their next NBA Cup game on Friday against the Washington Wizards.
As for Boston, the Celtics will need to regroup quickly as they head to Brooklyn for their next game against the Nets on Wednesday. While their high-scoring duo of Brown and White continues to shine, the Celtics will need to improve their execution in clutch situations if they want to continue their strong start to the season.
Key Stat: Jayson Tatum surpassed 12,208 career points, moving past Hall of Famer Tommy Heinsohn for 12th place on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list.
Key Moment: Onyeka Okongwu’s clutch tip-in with 6.1 seconds left helped the Hawks complete their comeback and secure a thrilling 117-116 victory.
Up Next:
- The Hawks will host the Washington Wizards on Friday in their next NBA Cup matchup.
- The Celtics will look to bounce back when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
