Celtics roll previous the Hawks 112-99 in largely straightforward Recreation 1 victory

The Boston Celtics earned a 112-99 Recreation 1 win in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks, and if you happen to picked this sequence to be a fast sweep, there’s little we noticed at present that ought to push you to alter your thoughts. Each Celtic within the rotation who suited up at present had an strong recreation indirectly, however Boston’s two greatest gamers led the best way whereas Trae Younger (16 factors on 28% capturing) struggled for Atlanta. Jaylen Brown posted a clean 29 factors and 12 rebounds whereas Jayson Tatum put up his strategy to 25 factors and 11 rebounds. Derrick White additionally added 24 factors, 5 rebounds and seven assists.

Proper from tip off, it was very obvious that this may be a cakewalk. I noticed Jaylen Brown stroll Dejounte Murray (24 factors, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) to the rim for a layup proper earlier than Jayson Tatum got here proper again down and did the identical factor to DeAndre Hunter (11 factors).

Opening as much as a fast 10-point lead halfway via the primary quarter throughout the top of the body, an explosion was knocking on the door. It began with a bunch of layups, and by the point halftime began approaching, the Celtics determined to get scorching from behind the 3-point line, remodeling what was a standard 20-point blowout right into a 30-point bloodbath.

Fascinating lineup word: the Celtics’ rotation switched up just a little bit. Not often the primary sub out, Marcus Good (11 factors, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks) was the primary participant to move to the bench for Robert Williams (12 factors, 8 rebounds) after guarding John Collins (12 factors) for just a few possessions to open the sport. At present, Jaylen Brown was the primary to sub out between him and Tatum, with the latter enjoying the entire first quarter. That is additionally shaping as much as be a Sam Hauser sequence, with Grant Williams using the bench the entire first half. I count on the precise reverse to occur subsequent spherical in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Trae Younger struggled mightily, beginning the sport 1-7 from the sector with a handful of turnovers. John Collins was the one participant who appeared even remotely comfy. Whereas Atlanta crashed the boards typically within the second quarter, it didn’t truly translate to a lot in the best way of second-chance factors. Saddiq Bey and Jalen Johnson gave them first rate minutes off the bench. They may find yourself being extra helpful to ATL this sequence contemplating DeAndre Hunter was enjoying matador protection on the Jays.

Atlanta’s perimeter protection is simply means too poor to offer Boston any form of resistance.

Within the third quarter, the Celtics prolonged their lead all the best way as much as 32 earlier than tricking away for the second half of the body. Armed with a 23-10 run, the Hawks battled their means again to . . . a 19-point deficit getting into the fourth quarter. That is one thing to regulate, although, since you don’t need Atlanta getting any form of confidence. Sweeps are made mentally earlier than the sequence reaches the ultimate recreation. That features protecting your foot on the gasoline and maximizing relaxation for the celebs.

Sadly, the Celtics continued to idiot round to start out the fourth, letting the deficit get as little as 12 factors. The run prolonged to 32-12 because the Hawks battled with extra vitality. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned up, making issues a bit extra fascinating. A couple of buckets later, and the sport was over after Boston pushed the lead proper again to twenty. Nothing to fret about! Atlanta tried to carry on, however they ran out of time. That run in all probability ends sooner if Robert Williams performed extra minutes.

For what it’s price, Atlanta checked out its greatest when Trae Younger was on the bench. Joe Mazzulla can have loads to choose at in movie periods to maintain the staff sharp after that lackadaisical second half. If Boston can hold controlling the boards, they’ll get loads of relaxation earlier than the subsequent spherical.

Recreation 2 in opposition to Atlanta shall be Tuesday night time at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBATV as Boston goes for the 2-0 sequence lead.