The Boston Celtics have lost consecutive games for just the third time all season.
They'll try to avoid their first three-game losing streak of 2023-24 when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
The Celtics (57-16) still have the NBA's best record and had won nine games in a row before losing twice in three nights to the Hawks in Atlanta. They lost a 30-point lead in a 120-118 loss Monday and dropped a 123-122 decision Thursday when Dejounte Murray made a basket in the final second of overtime.
"Winning is hard and we've been fortunate enough to be on that side a lot," said Jayson Tatum, who led Boston with 31 points, 13 rebounds and six assists Thursday. "(The last two games) are a good reminder that you can't take (anything) for granted.
"Every single night is going to be tough. We're going to have a lot more close games on this playoff run. So (we've got to) get ready for it."
The nature of the two losses in Atlanta was disappointing, but ...
