Pritchard Lifts Celtics Past Hawks Despite Tatum’s Quiet Night
BOSTON – Payton Pritchard exploded off the bench with a game-high 36 points, propelling the Boston Celtics to a 109-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night at TD Garden. The win came without All-Star Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined with Achilles tendinitis. The Celtics (49-24) halted the Hawks’ three-game winning streak and maintained their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
Pritchard’s performance was crucial, especially considering a relatively quiet night from Jayson Tatum, who still managed to contribute 26 points and 12 rebounds. The Celtics needed every point, battling back from an early double-digit deficit to secure the win.
Hawks Surge Early, Celtics Respond
The Atlanta Hawks came out firing, building a significant lead in the first quarter. A 18-2 run, capped by a three-pointer from Gabe Vincent, gave Atlanta a commanding 25-9 advantage with 4:05 remaining in the opening period. However, the Celtics quickly responded, closing the gap to six by the end of the quarter, finishing the first frame at 29-26.
The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets. Atlanta briefly regained control, leading by as many as five points, before Boston began to uncover its rhythm from beyond the arc. Despite a strong shooting performance from the Hawks in the first half – connecting on 10 of 20 three-point attempts – Boston trailed 60-55 at halftime.
Pritchard Ignites Celtics Comeback
Payton Pritchard took over in the third quarter, providing a spark off the bench that ignited the Celtics’ offense. He scored several key baskets, including a three-pointer that gave Boston a brief lead. The Celtics outscored the Hawks 32-22 in the third, taking an 87-82 advantage into the final period.
Boston extended their lead in the fourth quarter, eventually building a double-digit cushion after a basket from Neemias Queta made it 95-84 with 9:14 remaining. Atlanta attempted to mount a comeback, getting within four points late in the game, but Tatum sealed the victory with three free throws in the final minute, pushing the score to 107-99.
Tatum’s Resilience and Brown’s Absence
While Tatum didn’t have his most efficient shooting night – missing 16 of 24 shots – his 26 points and 12 rebounds were still vital for the Celtics. His spinning drive to the rim with 7:29 left proved to be a turning point, extending Boston’s lead to 97-86.
The Celtics have proven resilient in Brown’s absence, posting a 7-1 record in games he’s missed this season. Brown, averaging 28.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, remains day-to-day with Achilles tendinitis, according to Boston coach Joe Mazzulla.
Hawks Fall Short Despite Strong Performances
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while CJ McCollum added 21 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20. Despite a strong offensive showing, Atlanta’s shooting touch faded as the game progressed, finishing at 39% from the field. The Hawks had been playing exceptionally well leading up to Friday’s game, having won 14 of their last 16 contests and boasting a 15-3 record since the All-Star break – the best in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the loss, the Hawks remain a formidable opponent, and their recent success demonstrates their potential to craft a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics will continue their road trip, traveling to face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. The Hawks will return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. The Celtics and Hawks will meet again on Monday in Atlanta, offering a quick rematch for both teams.
This game highlighted the Celtics’ depth and resilience, proving they can win even when key players are sidelined. Pritchard’s performance was a reminder of his value to the team, and Tatum’s ability to contribute even on an off-shooting night underscores his importance to Boston’s championship aspirations.
