The Boston Celtics couldn’t keep up with the Atlanta Hawks Friday night, losing Game 3 of the opening round 130-122. With strong performances by Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, Boston ran neck and neck with Atlanta all evening long, but in the end, the Hawks were just a little bit better.
Atlanta set the tempo early, specifically by pushing the pace and keeping Boston out of rhythm. The Hawks really pressured the rim, challenging the Celtics to play much of the game on their heels. This high-octane gamble by the home team paid off, and despite 18 Atlanta turnovers, Boston couldn’t fully assert control.
