The Boston Celtics' undefeated Summer League run just got absolutely wrecked, taking a tough 102-90 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Las Vegas. This wasn't just any game, either, both teams rolled into this matchup with perfect 2-0 records, part of an exclusive six-team club of undefeated squads in the LVSL. Adding to the drama, the Celtics were notably missing their 2025 draftees Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams, who both started the first two games but sat this one out on the bench, likely due to it being the back end of a back-to-back.
Early Fireworks and a Sudden Fizzle
The Celtics actually kicked things off on fire, a total opposite of their first two Vegas games. Tucker DeVries, the 6’7” forward who went undrafted this year, immediately put on a show, sinking back-to-back three-pointers before Atlanta even got on the board. Talk about making an instant statement! John Tonje, a 2025 draftee, also chipped in with a couple of early buckets, including a long-range shot for 5 points in the first quarter. Rookies Chris Cenac Jr., their 2026 first-rounder, and Dillon Mitchell, a second-rounder, even added a pair of buckets between them. But the Hawks didn't flinch. They kept pace and then some, seizing a 20-17 lead with about three minutes left in the opening frame. Kobe Johnson was on an absolute tear for Atlanta, hitting all four of his first shots for 9 points. Henri Veesaar was just as deadly, draining his first three shots, including two from deep, for 8 points, while Devon Higgs added 6. Even with Milos Uzan, one of Boston's top Summer League players so far, coming off the bench and scoring a couple buckets to keep it close, the Hawks still ended the first quarter up 29-25.Second Quarter Struggles and a Crushing Blow
Dillon Mitchell tried to spark a comeback right out of the gate in the second quarter, dishing out a sweet assist to Hank Morgan before sinking a 14-foot jumper to tie the game at 29-29. For a moment, it felt like the Celtics were back in it. But then, disaster struck. Boston's offense just fizzled out, becoming ice cold, while Atlanta’s remained scorching hot. Veesaar splashed his third three-pointer to snatch the lead back for the Hawks, then Johnson sliced into the paint for a layup, pushing them up by 5, 34-29. Cenac tried to respond with a midrange jumper and a massive block on Johnson soon after, showing off his length. But the Hawks recovered the loose ball, and Johnson somehow still managed to hit a three-pointer out of the scramble. The hits just kept coming, with Johnson hitting another shot from distance right after. Following this 102-90 defeat, the Celtics now stand at 2-1. That means the exclusive club of undefeated teams just got a lot smaller. Only the Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers remain perfect in Las Vegas. It's a tough pill to swallow for the Celtics, watching their flawless run end and the field narrow down.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.