Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson Leads Hawks in Stunning Win Against Celtics to Open NBA Cup

Atlanta Hawks Surprise Boston Celtics in NBA Cup Opener

Daniels, Johnson Shine in Hawks' Victory

The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a stunning upset in the NBA Cup opener, defeating the Boston Celtics 125-114 on Tuesday night. Led by impressive performances from Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, the Hawks overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Daniels, the 2023 NBA Draft's No. 8 overall pick, showcased his versatility with a 23-point, 10-rebound, and 6-assist performance. His ability to create plays for himself and others proved crucial in the Hawks' comeback.

Johnson, meanwhile, provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. His timely shooting helped the Hawks seize momentum in the second half.

The Celtics, who were considered the favorites heading into the game, struggled to contain Daniels and Johnson. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 26 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Hawks' inspired play.

Hawks' Defense Shines in Fourth Quarter Comeback

The Hawks' defense played a pivotal role in their fourth-quarter comeback. After allowing the Celtics to shoot 52.9% from the field in the first half, the Hawks tightened their defense in the second half, holding Boston to just 38.9% shooting.

Center Clint Capela anchored the Hawks' defense with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. His presence in the paint deterred the Celtics from driving to the basket, forcing them to take difficult shots from the perimeter.

Balanced Scoring Effort from Hawks

In addition to Daniels and Johnson's contributions, the Hawks received valuable contributions from several other players. De'Andre Hunter added 17 points, while Trae Young chipped in with 15 points and 9 assists.

The Hawks' balanced scoring attack kept the Celtics' defense guessing throughout the game. Their ability to find different players who could step up and make plays proved to be a key factor in their victory.

Conclusion

The Hawks' stunning win against the Celtics sends a strong message to the rest of the NBA. With Daniels and Johnson leading the way, the Hawks have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Their ability to overcome adversity and pull off a victory against a top team like the Celtics is a testament to their resilience and determination. The Hawks will look to continue their momentum in their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.