Boston Celtics Surge Past Atlanta Hawks in Impressive Display

Jayson Tatum flexed his elite scoring prowess, dropping 26 of his total 28 points in the first half, steering the Boston Celtics to a triumphant 123-93 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on a Monday night showdown. This marked the Celtics’ third consecutive win, showcasing their dominance on the court. Tatum’s nine assists and six rebounds further bolstered his stellar performance, despite sitting out the fourth quarter due to the team’s substantial lead.

Hawks’ Young Suffers Early Exit

The Hawks’ star guard, Trae Young, was forced to leave the court in the third quarter due to a right rib strain. Young struggled throughout his time on the court, going 1 for 10 from the field and concluding his night with just two points and six assists in 23 minutes.

White and Pritchard Shine for Boston

Derrick White made significant contributions for the Celtics, amassing 21 points and six assists. Payton Pritchard also chipped in with 18 points coming off the bench. It’s worth noting that the Celtics had a poor record in Atlanta last season – giving up a 30-point lead in one game and suffering an overtime loss in the other.

The Absence of Brown

Despite the absence of Jaylen Brown, who missed his second consecutive game due to a left hip flexor strain, the Celtics continued their winning streak, taking it to 16 games when Brown is sidelined.

Takeaways from the Game

The Celtics are enjoying their best start since the 2019-20 season, standing at 7-1, echoing the time they started 10-1. They concluded a four-game road trip with a 3-1 record, the only loss coming in overtime against Indiana.

For the Hawks, Jalen Johnson continues to show improvement after a slow season start, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He has now scored over 20 points in four of his last five outings.

Game’s Defining Moments

The Celtics ignited a 19-4 run to finish the second quarter, extending their seven-point lead to a commanding 22-points. Tatum and White were instrumental during this run, each adding seven points. The Hawks failed to close the gap, never coming within 19 points during the second half.

The Winning Factor

The Celtics’ impressive 3-point shooting was a key factor in their victory. They netted 18 3-pointers, including 15 in the first half, outscoring the Hawks 54-18 from behind the arc. The Hawks, known for allowing an NBA-worst 41.4% shooting from deep, once again struggled to defend the perimeter.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the Celtics will host the Warriors in their home court on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Hawks will welcome the Knicks on their home turf on the same day.

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