Celtics: Boston Leads Series 2-0, Makes History

Boston Celtics are now up 2-0, beating the Atlanta Hawks 119-106. They scored 64 points in the paint, their most in a playoff game in the last 25 seasons. The Boston Celtics also hold the record for most points scored by a team in a playoff game. During another First Round matchup in 1990, on a Game 2 no less, the Celtics scored 157 points against the visiting New York Knicks.

Better Offense vs. Poor Defense

Five Celtics players scored in double-figures in the win. They kept weaving in and out the flimsy defense put up by the normally-reliable Hawks frontcourt of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. Both centers combined for a plus-minus of -22. John Collins was +8, yet he shot blanks almost all night, hitting just 2 of 11 from the field and 1 of 7 from three.

Atlanta did lead by as much as 11 in the first quarter, but beyond that, it was a one-sided affair. The period ended with a buzzer-beating go-ahead three by Malcolm Brogdon near-midcourt. The Celtics never looked back after that.

Jayson Tatum's double-double performance led Boston to the win. It was an all-around effort for the inaugural Larry Bird Trophy winner, logging in 29 points on 54.5% shooting from the field and 55% from three. He also had ten rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block.

Dejounte Murray matched Tatum's points total with 29 of his own. He probably had the best individual game of the night, amassing seven threes, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals.