The Boston Celtics placed on a dominant show of protection to clinch a convincing 112-99 win in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks within the opening sport of their Jap Convention first-round collection. The Celtics, seeded second, constructed a whopping 30-point halftime lead in opposition to the Hawks, who boasted the very best scoring common within the East with 118.4 factors per sport.
Boston’s protection was the important thing issue of their victory, as they held Hawks’ star Trae Younger to only 16 factors on 5-of-18 taking pictures, permitting just one profitable three-pointer from his 5 makes an attempt. Reigning NBA Defensive Participant of the Yr Marcus Sensible led the defensive cost for the Celtics with 11 factors, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Regardless of their spectacular win, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla believes there’s nonetheless room for enchancment in his staff’s efficiency. “Regardless that we had been lucky sufficient to win, you understand we could be a lot higher. We are able to do issues higher,” Mazzulla mentioned. “They bought extra offensive rebounds than us. We turned it over extra. There’s a number of stuff there that we are able to simply construct on, so we’re lucky in that and we’ve to have the mindset that we will be higher.”
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 29 factors and 12 rebounds, whereas Jayson Tatum had 25 factors with 11 rebounds, and Derrick White added 24 factors.
The Hawks had a 55-38 scoring benefit within the second half, and they’re going to look to hold that momentum into Recreation 2 in Boston. The collection will then transfer to Atlanta for Video games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday.
Hawks coach Quin Snyder believes that bettering their offense would be the key to success for the staff. “A few of that can be so simple as making an open shot and never having to defend in transition. After which there’s different issues. We have battled our spacing. And we have to proceed to essentially drill down on that and be unbelievably exact with the place we’re on the court docket.”
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The Celtics can be seeking to keep their sturdy defensive efficiency and construct on their Recreation 1 success after they face the Hawks once more in Boston on Tuesday.