Peachtree Hoops: Hawks fall to Boston Celtics in season-low scoring contest, 113-103

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Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks opened their season with a 113-103 loss to the Boston Celtics, missing Jalen Johnson. The starting lineup for the Hawks featured Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey, and Clint Capela. The Celtics, playing without Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, started Derrick White, Dalano Banton, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford.

Facing a 10-4 deficit, AJ Griffin entered the game as the first substitution. Trae Young, who has accumulated four technical fouls this season, received his fifth in an early disagreement during the contest. Approximately five minutes into the game, Young made a significant contribution with a deep three-pointer, aiding the Hawks in keeping pace with the Celtics’ scoring.

Good evening pic.twitter.com/bvInOCKsct

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 26, 2023

At the conclusion of the first quarter, the Celtics held a 33-26 lead. Trae Young stood out as the primary offensive force for the Hawks, amassing 13 points (3-for-4 from three) and contributing three assists. Nevertheless, Jalen Brown and Jayson Tatum had already combined for 17 points, and the Celtics had connected on four three-pointers.

The beginning of the second quarter showcased Bogdan Bogdanovic taking charge. Following a successful second-chance three-pointer, Bogdanovic further impressed by hitting a pull-up three-pointer.

Don't ️link pic.twitter.com/qg0SiQvq6m

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) November 26, 2023

During the first and second quarters, the Hawks encountered difficulties securing defensive rebounds. By midway through the second quarter, the Celtics had already logged 12 offensive rebounds. Capitalizing on a formidable 18-5 run, the Celtics established a 58-41 lead. Trae Young continued to showcase his prowess, concluding the half with 20 points and six assists. Jayson Tatum contributed 21 points, giving the Celtics a 69-53 advantage.

In the third quarter, Bogdan Bogdanovic demonstrated his sharpshooting ability, bringing his three-point total to seven, while De’Andre Hunter brought his total to five. Together, they spearheaded a 13-0 run for the Hawks, narrowing the deficit to six. By the end of the third quarter, Bogdanovic maintained a perfect 7-for-7 record from beyond the arc.

️OGI ️UCKETS

8-for-8 from the field! pic.twitter.com/8d4Z3PucxW

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) November 27, 2023

Despite outscoring the Celtics 29-21 in the third quarter, the Hawks entered the fourth quarter trailing 90-62. Trae Young ignited the quarter with two three-pointers, a layup, and a floater. However, the defensive struggles persisted, with difficulties in securing stops and conceding offensive rebounds. With seven minutes left in the game, the Hawks found themselves in an 11-point deficit.

The Hawks were unable to overcome this deficit in the fourth quarter. The offense struggled, and the Hawks failed to make a competitive push in the final period. The Boston Celtics limited them to just 21 points in the fourth quarter, marking the Hawks’ lowest-scoring game of the season. Trae Young led the Hawks with 33 points, accompanied by Hunter with 24 points and Bogdanovic with 23 points. On the opposing side, Jayson Tatum’s 34 points played a pivotal role in the Celtics securing the victory.

Final stats

Trae: 33 PTS | 6 3PM | 7 AST | 5 REB
Dre: 24 PTS | 7-14 FG | 5-11 3-PT FG | 4 REB
Bogi: 23 PTS | 7-10 3-PT FG | 7 REB
Saddiq: 7 PTS | 8 REB
CC: 4 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 27, 2023

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