The Boston Celtics suffered back-to-back devastating losses to the Atlanta Hawks, once again highlighting their ongoing struggles in crunch time situations. In a Thursday night matchup, the Celtics fell in overtime, just three days after blowing a 30-point lead against the same opponent in Atlanta.

One of the main concerns for Celtics fans was the team's offensive execution in crunch time. With just over a minute left on the clock, Jayson Tatum attempted to create a makeable shot for himself but fell short, allowing the Hawks to tie the game with a clutch 3-pointer. The Celtics then failed to come up with a creative play in the closing seconds, resulting in a difficult last-second shot that ultimately didn't go in.

While it is understandable that the Celtics rely on their best player to create something when the game is tied, questions have been raised about their lack of alternative options in these crucial moments. Jaylen Brown acknowledged the need to improve execution and ensure better spacing on the court to avoid settling for less favorable shots.

The Celtics found themselves in a similar situation in overtime, trailing by one. They attempted to capitalize on a more creative play involving Kristaps Porzingis operating out of the post, but the Hawks' Dejounte Murray had enough time to seal the victory with a game-winning shot.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla maintained a relatively calm demeanor when asked about the team's recent slip against a potential playoff opponent. With enough runway before the postseason, the Celtics have the opportunity to work on their processes while not overly emphasizing immediate results. However, there remains a question of whether Celtics fans can tolerate these disappointing outcomes.

Dejounte Murray's remarkable performance stood out in the game, as he scored 44 points, along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Murray's offensive display was admirable, despite his amusement at attempting an astonishing 44 shots during the game.

On the other end, Kristaps Porzingis had a challenging game, shooting 8-for-20 from the field and struggling defensively against Murray. Coach Mazzulla explained that the Celtics intentionally provided Porzingis with the opportunity to defend guards one-on-one, focusing on improving their defensive strategies in preparation for future matchups.

In more positive news, Jrue Holiday made his return to the Celtics' lineup after a five-game absence due to a shoulder injury. Holiday expressed comfort on the court and contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, including a commendable 3-for-6 shooting from the 3-point line.

Despite the Celtics' disappointing performances, Derrick White shone with a pristine shooting display, going 8-for-11 from the field and 5-for-6 from behind the arc. White's impeccable shooting skills were evident throughout the game and added 22 points to the Celtics' efforts.

The Celtics now turn their attention to their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, as they look to conclude the month of March with a victory. With two games remaining on their current road trip, the Celtics will aim to reassess their late-game strategies and regain their winning form.

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