That, right there, is the game, he remarked afterward. “They executed the collision with remarkable skill. We can improve in a few [rebounding scenarios], but offensive rebounds and second-chance scores are, in my opinion, the essence of the game. Without that element, I think we played a really good game.
Boston’s MVP front-runner Jayson Tatum led the way with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Despite double-digit scores from all five of the Celtics’ starters, the team was unable to win the game.
The Celtics’ record drops to 57-16 for the year. On Saturday, they will next play the New Orleans Pelicans. That following night, the Hawks return to action as they host the Milwaukee Bu
cks.
Despite the scoring outburst, it was not the most efficient shooting night for the 27-year-old, making 18 of his whopping 44 field goal attempts – including 19 shots from deep. Murray was not too pleased with his performance after the game but hoped that his persistence on the offensive end made an NBA legend proud.
I still feel like I played awful,” he said. “I don’t wanna take that many shots, but I know Kobe (Bryant) would be proud of me.”
Bogdan Bogdanović chipped in with 24 points while Monday’s hero De’Andre Hunter added 21 points and 13 rebounds. A look at Atlanta’s injury list makes this win all the more impressive – superstar point guard Trae Young has not played since late February, while Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey all remain absent from the lineup.
Despite the injury issues, the Hawks are winners of four straight games and have hit a hot streak at just the right time as the regular season winds down and postseason anticipation builds.
An interesting aspect of the team’s two victories over Boston is that this could be a preview of a first-round matchup in the playoffs.
The Hawks are currently 34-39 and occupy the 10th seed in the East which would give them a spot in the Play-In tournament. Barring a late regular-season surge, they will have to likely come through two win-or-go-home games to earn a true postseason berth, but if they are successful, they will take on the NBA-leading Celtics in round one.
While the Celtics are in no danger of losing ground at the top of the East after locking up the No. 1 spot, it was another disappointing loss for Boston, squandering its chance at redemption after Monday’s embarrassing collapse
.
Leave a Reply