ATLANTA — In an impressive display, Jayson Tatum scored 26 of his 28 points during the first half as the Boston Celtics overwhelmed the Atlanta Hawks with a decisive 123-93 victory on Monday evening, marking their third consecutive win.
Tatum contributed significantly beyond scoring, also providing nine assists and grabbing six rebounds, but he did not see any action in the fourth quarter due to Boston’s commanding lead.
The Hawks faced a setback when guard Trae Young exited the game in the third quarter due to a right rib injury. He struggled offensively, managing only two points on 1-of-10 shooting and dishing out six assists in 23 minutes of play.
Derrick White stepped up for the Celtics, contributing 21 points and six assists, while Payton Pritchard added 18 points off the bench, showcasing the team’s depth.
Last season, the Celtics faced challenges in Atlanta, losing both matchups, including one where they squandered a 30-point lead and another that ended in overtime.
Interestingly, the Celtics have maintained a remarkable 16-game win streak when Jaylen Brown is sidelined. Brown has been out for the last two games due to a strain in his left hip flexor.
Notable Highlights: As of now, the Celtics hold a 7-1 record, marking their best start since the 2019-20 season when they started 10-1. They concluded a four-game road trip with a 3-1 record, with their only loss coming in an overtime game against Indiana.
On the other hand, Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is showing improvement; he recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, reaching over 20 points in four of his last five outings.
Crucial Moment: The Celtics extended their lead significantly by launching a 19-4 run that closed out the second quarter, transforming a narrow seven-point advantage into a commanding 22-point lead. Tatum and White each contributed seven points during this crucial stretch, allowing the Hawks to never close the gap to less than 19 points in the second half.
Important Statistic: The Celtics were highly effective from the three-point line, sinking 18 three-pointers, with 15 of those made in the first half. They outscored the Hawks 54-18 from beyond the arc. Atlanta has struggled defensively this season, entering the game with the league’s highest opponent shooting percentage from three at 41.4%.
Upcoming Matches: The Celtics will return to their home court to take on the Warriors this Wednesday, while the Hawks are set to face the Knicks on the same day.