Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum leaves the court after defeating the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs, Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

The Atlanta Hawks are again on the road to take on the Boston Celtics for game two of the first round of the NBA playoffs. Down 1-0 in the series, the Hawks are looking to adjust from their 13-point loss while the Celtics are hungry to keep the possibility of a sweep alive.

Hawks vs Celtics Game One Recap

The Boston Celtics capitalized early on the Hawks’ poor shooting performance and were up as many as 30 points at halftime.

However, despite missing their first 10 three-pointers and shooting 5-of-29 from the arch, Atlanta used a 32-12 run to cut the deficit leading into the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, that wasn’t enough. Derrick White and superstar Jason Tatum both finished with 25 points. Additionally, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, finished with three steals and two blocks.

Final score: 112-99

Celtics Host the Hawks for Game Two

For Atlanta to bounce back from dropping game one, it will have to start with their defensive play. The Hawks will have to avoid letting all three of Boston’s wing players score over 24+ points again.

Even though Atlanta struggled shooting behind the arc, there is hope offensively for them. It will have to start with their guard Trae Young.

Young has made history during his last seven playoff games and it’s not a positive stat. He has shot 8-of-49 (16.3%) from behind the three-point line which is the worst shooting stretch in NBA Playoff History.

https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1648318485942923264

The Celtics will look to perform consistently on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court.

Guard Malcolm Brogdon explained the lessons the team learned after game one. He simply said, “Keep your foot on the pedal.”

Injury Report

Danilo Gallinari for the Boston Celtics will not be playing tonight due to a knee injury.

How to Watch

Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

TV: NBA TV

Live Stream: FuboTV

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