The Boston Celtics (7-1) rolled over the Atlanta Hawks (3-5) 123-93 on November 5. The Celtics took control in the first half and never looked back.
Jayson Tatum continues to do his thing, with another masterful performance, leading the way with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. Derrick White was right behind him with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists while Holiday and Pritchard added 16 and 18 respectively to help Boston secure their third straight win.
The Hawks fought hard, but the Celtics were just too much to handle. Trae Young was completely shut down, finishing with just 2 points on a miserable 1-for-10 shooting. In spite of the harsh loss, there were some encouraging signs. Jalen Johnson had a solid performance, steering the Hawks with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists while Onyeka Okongwu showed what he is capable of, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting, off the bench.
Tatum’s Powerful First Half Propelled the Celtics to the Win
The game was a battle from the opening tip with both teams matching each other basket for basket. But the Celtics, led by a dominant Tatum, who poured in 16 points, managed to create a narrow advantage.
But the Hawks turned it up in the second and went on a 14-6 surge to take the lead (41-44). Johnson engineered the attack with 8 points and two assists. The Celtics, however, had an immediate response. Holiday and Pritchard both sank a three and Tatum joined the mix with 10 quick points as the Celtics exploded with a 26-5 run, blowing the game open at (67-49). White added back-to-back threes extending their lead at (75-53) at the break.
The Celtics kept their foot on the gas, stretching their lead to a staggering 32 points in the third quarter. The Hawks, led by a determined Okongwu, tried to fight back, but the Celtics were simply too efficient. Boston’s control was absolute in the fourth as the lead ballooned to (118-81), leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Up Next
The Celtics host the Warriors on Thursday while the Hawks take on the Knicks.
