BOSTON — The Boston Celtics continued their dominance at home with a 125-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower. Kristaps Porzingis led the scoring with 31 points, while Derrick White’s critical performance in the fourth quarter, where he scored 12 of his 21 points, helped Boston secure the win.
Jayson Tatum added 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, highlighting the Celtics’ balanced attack. Al Horford’s contribution of 14 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, along with Jaylen Brown’s 15 points, further exemplified Boston’s team-oriented play. The Celtics’ proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 17 of 49 three-point attempts, was a key factor in their victory.
The Hawks, despite a valiant effort, could not match the Celtics’ intensity in the final quarter. Saddiq Bey led Atlanta with 25 points, supported by Trae Young’s 20 points and 10 assists. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu each added 19 points, with Johnson also grabbing 15 rebounds. However, Atlanta’s struggle from the three-point line in the second half limited their ability to keep pace with Boston’s scoring.
Atlanta coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the challenge of matching Boston’s shooting prowess, emphasizing the need for the Hawks to capitalize on their shooting opportunities. Despite maintaining a rebounding advantage and committing fewer turnovers, the Hawks could not overcome the Celtics’ efficient 52.7% shooting from the floor.
The Celtics’ strong start to the fourth quarter, spearheaded by White’s three-point shooting, created a separation that the Hawks were unable to bridge. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s resilience and ability to maintain focus throughout the game, underscoring the importance of persevering through challenging moments.
The victory extends the Celtics’ win streak over the Hawks to seven games and underscores their formidable presence at home, where they have compiled an impressive 24-3 record. As Boston looks to continue its winning ways against Washington on Friday, the Hawks aim to rebound from this loss when they face Philadelphia the same night.
This matchup not only highlighted the Celtics’ offensive depth and strategic execution but also demonstrated the competitive spirit of both teams as they navigate the latter half of the NBA season.
