The Boston Celtics' star power was held in check, as the host Atlanta Hawks leveraged a gritty defensive second quarter to take a 48-45 lead into halftime at State Farm Arena.
The opening period belonged to the Celtics, who edged ahead 30-29 behind an unexpected scoring burst from their reserves. Payton Pritchard led all scorers with 13 first-half points, while Luka Garza added 11, providing crucial offense. The Hawks kept pace thanks to balanced scoring, with Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson each contributing 9 points.
Momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter, where Atlanta's defense tightened. The Hawks held Boston to just 15 points on cold shooting, embarking on a 10-2 run midway through the period to seize control. While Jaylen Brown filled the stat sheet for Boston with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, the Celtics' typical offensive firepower was muted.
The Hawks, without a single player in double figures, succeeded with a collective effort. Their ability to disrupt Boston’s rhythm and capitalize on transition opportunities was the difference in the half. The stage is set for a pivotal third quarter, as Boston will look to rediscover its offensive flow while Atlanta aims to maintain its defensive intensity and protect its slim advantage.
