Celtics Lose to Hawks in NBA Cup Opener

The Boston Celtics lost a close game to the Atlanta Hawks, 117-116, marking a disappointing start to the 2024 NBA Cup. The Celtics struggled with 20 turnovers, allowing Atlanta to score 19 points off those mistakes, a concern noted by head coach Joe Mazzulla. Despite their prior success against the Hawks, Boston's performance in this opening match could jeopardize their chances in the tournament's group stage, where point differential is critical for advancing. Mazzulla expressed a desire for a tournament format similar to European soccer, emphasizing the need for standalone events rather than those counted within the regular season. The Celtics will look to rebound in their next group game, as they compete with other teams in Group C, including the Cavaliers and the Wizards.