The Celtics have faced a tough stretch against the surging Hawks, splitting two games in the past four days. After eking out a win at home on Friday, they stumbled on the road in Atlanta on Monday. The Celtics had to adjust their lineup, missing Jaylen Brown in Boston and both Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta in Atlanta.
Yet, a consistent issue emerged in both matchups: turnovers. Despite being one of the NBA's best at protecting the ball under Joe Mazzulla, averaging just 12.3 turnovers per game, the Celtics uncharacteristically gave up 16 and 15 turnovers in these games, leading to 34 points for the Hawks.
This vulnerability is not typical of the Celtics, and it made them look beatable. Atlanta's defense, with its physicality and aggressive style, disrupted Boston's ballhandlers, forcing errors and challenging the officials to blow the whistle.
As the playoffs loom, the Celtics must tighten up their ball security. Opponents will likely mimic the Hawks' approach, a strategy reminiscent of how the Heat have pressured Boston in past playoff battles. While the Celtics' guards and the "Jays" have improved against such tactics, lapses can still occur.
Maintaining composure and strength with the ball is crucial. Other teams will test them, and any sign of weakness will only invite more pressure. Fortunately, the Celtics have faced this before and should be ready to respond, but it remains a critical focus area.
The Hawks, with their defensive prowess, pose a unique challenge. Players like Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu bring a blend of size and defensive skill that troubles the Celtics. Complemented by athletic teammates like Jalen Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Zaccharie Risacher, they create a formidable defensive unit.
This combination has fueled the Hawks' post-All-Star break surge. With the Eastern Conference playoff race tightly packed, Boston might prefer to steer clear of Atlanta in the postseason.