Instant Takeaways From Hawks Improbable 117-116 win Over Boston

Atlanta was a 16 point underdog in Boston tonight, but beat the Celtics 117-116

Nov 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks, who were blown out by the Celtics at home last Monday night, walked into Boston as 16 point underdogs and without their superstar point guard Trae Young, and defeated the defending NBA Champions 117-116. It was one of the most improbable wins of the season and it also puts the Hawks ahead in East Group C in the NBA Cup. Atlanta now has a real chance at making the knockout stage of the NBA Cup with this win tonight.

Let's get to the takeaways.

1. Hawks won the possession battle and the rebounding battle

Atlanta shot the ball 100 times. Boston shot the ball 75 times. Atlanta won the rebounding battle 45-34 and had 20 offensive rebounds to Boston's six. There were other reasons that the Hawks won the game, but winning those two battles right there is a huge reason why.

2. Dyson Daniels was incredible again

Daniels is starting to make the case of being the NBA's best offseason acquisition. He was the Hawks best player tonight, scoring 28 points on 12-21 shooting, dishing out seven assists, and getting six steals. Daniels was elite defensively and did a great job of running the offense. Daniels has been one of the breakout stars of the NBA this year and he had his best game of the seaosn tonight.

3. Jalen Johnson triple-double

Johnson was tasked with being the initiator of the offense in this game and he did it. He finished with his second career triple double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Johnson needed to be one of the best players in the game tonight for the Hawks to have a chance and he did that.

4. The Hawks bench vastly outplayed Boston's

Atlanta outscored the Celtics 38-12 in bench points and the bench production is something that has been hindering the Hawks in recent games. Onyeka Okongwu scored 15 and Larry Nance had 19 points on 5-6 shooting from three. They led the bench unit and Okongwu of course had the winning basket. Atlanta does not win this game without Nance or Okongwu.