#1 – Even in defeat, Celtics Basketball is still beautiful

Before we get into the reasons behind the Celtics’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks, let’s first acknowledge the beauty of Celtics basketball, even if it’s lost on a green court. When the ball is moving well and the defense is creating offense, Celtics basketball is at its best. Exhibit A: This fast break late in the first half.

Celtics basketball also excels at strategic play-calling and smart coaching. On an out-of-bounds sideline play, the Celtics tricked the Hawks into thinking the ball would go straight to Jayson Tatum in the post. However, the Celtics set up staggered screens for Holiday, who ran to the ball and acted as the connector between Jaylen Brown on the sideline and Jayson Tatum in the post. Jayson anticipated this and cut into an empty paint.

Also consider this sequence: Jayson Tatum blocks Larry Nance Jr., setting up a fast break, then Jrue Holiday drives and delivers a no-look pass to the corner for Jaylen Brown. Defense leading to offense: that’s Celtics basketball.

To top it all off, let’s appreciate this ball movement and Jayson Tatum’s improvement as a passer.

#2 – The Celtics struggled to take care of the ball

So far this season, the Celtics have been excellent at protecting the ball. Only once (before last night) have they lost the ball on more than 15% of their possession. That was the second night of a back-to-back against Charlotte, and they got a pass for it.

However, last night the turnover rate climbed to 20%. One of the key disruptors was Dyson Daniels, whose activity and length caused the Celtics offense more problems than we’ve seen in a while. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 11 turnovers.

Daniels wasn’t the only factor in the turnover problem. The length of Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Onyeka Okongwu made the entire Celtics offense uncomfortable. Another problem for the Celtics was that they had no clear target to exploit, and no seals to hunt.

#3 – No seal hunting

With Trae Young sidelined, many expected concerns about the Hawks’ offense. However, the Celtics’ offense also seemed to be affected by his absence. Without Young in the game, the Celtics didn’t have an obvious mismatch to exploit.

Keaton Wallace, a Hawks two-way player, took Young’s place at point guard, and his size and strength made him a tough matchup. The Hawks were able to convert everything, neutralizing much of the Celtics’ usual offense. While Jaylen and Jayson were still able to attack some Hawks players, it wasn’t as fruitful as usual.

#4 – Jaylen Brown’s scoring performance

The loss and his missed final shot may overshadow this, but make no mistake: Jaylen Brown’s score was great. He was one of the few Celtics to get to the rim, scoring five baskets in the paint. Furthermore, his ability to make mistakes has improved since last season, making him more efficient and dangerous.

As always, his hard shot makes him difficult to guard, and he has also improved in the post. Last season, the Celtics increased their post-up volume around Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis. This season, Jaylen is following suit and contributing more to the Celtics’ offense through the post.

Overall, it was a great game from Jaylen Brown, who seems to be back in form after missing a few games.

#5 – Derrick White’s elite shooting night

Every time Derrick White has a shooting night like that, it’s remarkable. I remember in 2022, when his shooting was part of the Celtics’ spacing issues against the Warriors in the Finals.

Last night, his shooting kept the Celtics in the game. With Tatum unable to drive to the rim as often as he wanted, White was always well positioned to provide him with a kickout option.

So far this season, White has made 50% of his catch-and-shoot threes on more than five attempts per game. That’s Steph Curry territory. His percentage will likely drop, but his growth from being ignored on the perimeter to one of the league’s best from three is astonishing.

#6 – Celtics lost despite shooting 40% from deep

When the Celtics lose, it’s often said that they couldn’t keep up with their usual three-point percentage. But that wasn’t the case last night.

Against the Hawks, the Celtics made 40% of their threes, with an eFG% of 63%, one of the highest in the NBA this season. They were also efficient at the rim, making 82% of their shots within three feet, and they made plenty of free throws with an FTRate of 27%, well above last season’s average.

These numbers suggest the Celtics should have dominated offensively, so why was the outcome so average? As mentioned, turnover was a major problem. Another problem was recovery.

#7 – The Celtics were outscored

Joe Mazzulla often talks about shot margin, with the goal of ensuring the Celtics have more shot opportunities than their opponents. That was not the case last night. The Celtics were dominated on the boards, with the Hawks grabbing rebounds on 45% of their missed shots. Simply put, the Hawks got a second chance half the time they missed a shot.

This recurring disparity created defensive problems and limited the Celtics’ transition options. The Celtics played 88% of their possessions in the half-court, while the Hawks played only 75% on half-court sets, which allowed them easier scoring opportunities. It’s fitting that the Hawks’ winning basket came off an offensive rebound.

#8 – Hawk’s big men dominated

In addition to the recovery, the Hawks’ big men dominated overall. Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu and Larry Nance Jr. combined for 22 field goals in 32 attempts, generated 52 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.

None of these three are known for their offensive dominance. Capela is no longer the rim runner he once was, while Okongwu and Nance operate more as short-roll and high-post connectors. But last night they attacked smaller players and took advantage of Porzingis’ absence.

Especially Larry Nance Jr. had an unexpected shooting performance reminiscent of Klay Thompson. The Hawks’ big men were effective thanks to great coaching and some luck.

#9 – Celtics defense couldn’t contain Dyson Daniels

Another surprise was Dyson Daniels. The 21-year-old, who was traded from New Orleans this summer, made a good impression in a game that was missing the Hawks’ star offensive player. Defensively, he made it difficult for the Celtics’ stars.

His defensive prowess was no surprise as he has excelled at creating turnovers and fast breaks since joining Atlanta. But his attacking contribution was unexpected. Alongside Jalen Johnson, the two young players scored 17 assists, which helped generate the Hawks’ offense.

Daniels used his length and speed to drive against Al Horford and other defenders. This play could provide valuable insights into how aggressive long wings can challenge the Celtics’ defense.

#10 – The Celtics new green field is still terrible, especially at 6am

Living in Europe, I wake up early to watch the game and write about it before I start my day. Watching a match on a green court this early is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Photo by China Wong/Getty Images