After an opener that went from rout to flirting with disaster, the Boston Celtics have gotten a win and an early focus-reminder for the NBA playoffs.
Jaylen Brown had 29 factors and 12 rebounds because the Celtics capitalised on a woeful capturing efficiency by the Atlanta Hawks to carry on for a 112-99 victory in recreation one of many Eastern Conference first-round matchup on Saturday.
Jayson Tatum scored 25 factors, 21 within the first half, whereas Derrick White completed with 25 factors and 11 rebounds for Boston, who host recreation two on Tuesday.
“We expect to get their best shot,” Brown stated.
“We let them get a little more comfortable in the second half, so I expect the next game for them to be a little more prepared.
“So we have to be just a little extra ready as effectively.”
The No.2-seeded Celtics at one stage led by 32 points, pouncing on an Atlanta team that missed their first 10 three-point attempts and shot five of 29 from beyond the arc for the game.
But Atlanta gave them a scare, a 32-12 run cutting the deficit to 96-84 on a three-point play by Bogdan Bogdanovic early in the fourth.
Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Trae Young added 16 points.
“You cannot be down that a lot and count on to come back again and win,” Young stated.
“But we nonetheless fought.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was unfazed by his team’s late-game malaise.
“I’m not involved in any respect,” he said. “This staff has performed nice for the whole season. That’s going to occur.
“It’s actually good that we went through it. We had to feel that, it’s important that we learn from it.”
In Philadelphia, No.3 Eastern seeds the 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets.
James Harden hit seven 3-pointers and had 23 factors and 13 assists, whereas NBA MVP finalist Joel Embiid scored 26 factors in a 121-101 victory.
Tobias Harris added 21 factors because the 76ers hit a post-season team-record 21 threes.
For the Nets, Mikal Bridges scored 30 factors to maintain them in contact within the first half however Brooklyn’s stripped roster – with Ben Simmons and Patty Mills amongst these lacking – have been no match for Philadelphia.
“It feels good to make some shots,” Bridges stated. “But I’d rather miss shots and win.”
The Knicks welcomed Cleveland again to the NBA playoffs for the primary time since 2018 by holding the Cavaliers off to win 101-97, Jalen Brunson top-scoring for New York with 27 factors.
Cleveland rallied late led by Donovan Mitchell (38 factors) however couldn’t overhaul the guests, who’ve gained all three earlier playoff collection between the edges.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
