Despite facing an Atlanta Hawks team that has been scorching hot in the closing weeks of the 2026 NBA Season, the Boston Celtics were still able to deal them a 109–102 loss on Saturday. Making the win even more special is that the Cs did it without superstar Jaylen Brown.
Amid Brown’s absence, it was spitfire guard Payton Pritchard who ushered the green-and-white to victory, notching 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists despite playing off the bench.
“I don’t think my role changed, just come out being aggressive, looking to make plays for my teammates or for myself, and just make the right reads,” Pritchard said postgame.
Celtics Stomp Hawks’ Momentum as Jayson Tatum Continues Improving
With the win, the Celtics continue to solidify their grasp of the East’s No. 2 seed, separating themselves from the New York Knicks by one and a half games as the season nears its end in less than three weeks.
Meanwhile, returning star Jayson Tatum has also started to look like his former self after sustaining an Achilles rupture that sidelined him for most of the season, leading the starters with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.
“I know I look rusty, I know I made some mistakes, but one thing I do know… I’m going as hard as I can. Each game I’mma get a little bit better, but I’m trying for sure,” Tatum said postgame.
Despite a subpar shooting night, Tatum’s 26 markers now set his season high for the 2026 campaign, albeit only having returned this month.
Hawks Still Remain in Playoff Hunt
Despite the loss, Atlanta has recorded a 14–2 record in the past 16 outings and is still poised for a playoff spot, as it currently sits with a 41–33 record and the sixth seed as of this writing. The Hawks are also only half a game behind the Toronto Raptors for fifth, but also just half a game in front of the Philadelphia 76ers for seventh.
Jalen Johnson was one of just three Hawks to score in double figures in this match, finishing with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 21 and 20 points, respectively.
The Celtics will look to make it three wins in a row when they face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, while the Hawks will try to bounce back against the Sacramento Kings today.
