Game 1
Photo Cred: SI
The Boston Celtics secured a victory after an opening game that went from destruction to the brink of disaster, but they also received a warning about how lulls could be fatal in the playoffs. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on Saturday, Jaylen Brown scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Celtics, who also took advantage of a poor shooting effort by the Atlanta Hawks to win 112-99. For Taytum, 21 of 25 points came in the opening period.
Photo Cred: Boston Globe
For Boston, which will host Game 2 on Tuesday, Derrick White ended with 25 points and 11 rebounds. After missing the final two games of the regular season due to a cut on a finger on his shooting hand, Brown played in this game for the first time. With tape and wrapping, he played. He made 12 of 23 field goals while playing with pain but had six turnovers. With 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, Dejounte Murray topped all Hawks scorers. Trae Young added 16 points.
Game 2
Photo Cred: Boston Globe
The Hawks have had their moments in these first two games, but they haven’t had enough firepower to withstand the relentless avalanche that is the Boston Celtics. Boston earned a hard-fought, 119-106 Game 2 win Tuesday at TD Garden to take a 2-0 series lead. This one was generally more competitive than the last, yet the final margin was the same. Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points, ten rebounds and six assists.
Photo Cred: Mass Live
Derrick White poured in 26 on 11-of-16 shooting, Jaylen Brown added 18, and Malcolm Brogdon and Al Horford each finished plus-20. White, in particular, was a catalyst in critical moments. The Hawks jumped out to a 22-11 edge, as Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter got in a rhythm early and hit shots that Atlanta missed the bulk of Game 1.
