Porzingis provides honest view on Celtics squandering 30-point lead in loss, which first published on NBC Sports.

The Boston Celtics appeared to be on their way to another big win Monday night in Atlanta, as they extended their first-half advantage to 30 points over the Hawks.

The Hawks trailed 68-38 with 4:23 left in the second quarter. However, the Hawks outscored the C’s 82-50 after that to complete a remarkable comeback and win 120-118. De’Andre Hunter’s clutch 3-pointer in the final 10 seconds of the fourth quarter proved to be the difference for Atlanta.

It is the first time this century that the Celtics have blown a 30-point lead and lost. The loss also ended Boston’s nine-game winning streak and 21-game winning streak against teams with a.500 or lower record.

The Celtics failed to maintain momentum in the second half, which cost them dearly.

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis didn’t mince words after the game, even admitting that some adversity might assist the squad before the playoffs begin next month.

“Maybe too much (confidence), maybe we need to have a little more urgency,” Porzingis told reporters after the game.

“But, of course, we are a confident team based on our performance, and we expect to win every game. We made a mistake by allowing this game to get away from us. But I like that we have some roadblocks moving into the playoffs.”

In the broad scheme of things, the Celtics’ loss isn’t a big deal, even if it is devastating. They cannot allow this setback to lead to bad habits in the playoffs.

Even if the Celtics have the league’s best record and have already secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, you don’t want to enter the postseason without playing at a high level or in rhythm.

“It’s the NBA; these things happen,” Porzingis explained. “We just don’t want it to become a habit, and it hasn’t for us. We slipped up in one game, relaxed a little bit, and paid the price.