The beginning of the match is rather balanced between two teams which have decided not to defend, and which constantly exchange baskets. In this game, the Celtics are slightly ahead (18-16). The Hawks do not let themselves be overwhelmed, and even show a good face in this first quarter. After the first 12 minutes, Trae Young’s teammates lead 30-27.
Atlanta starts the second quarter well, and remains in the lead. But now, under the leadership of Malcolm Brogdon, Boston wakes up. Joe Mazzulla’s men begin to put their basketball down, and take an eight-point lead (54-46). The Hawks are no longer there at all. Opposite, the green storm is launched, the Celtics fly to the score (63-50). Buoyed by 23 points from Jaylen Brown, Boston leads 66-58 at the break.
Back from the locker room, we feel that the Hawks are on a thread, yet Quin Snyder’s men do not sink and stay alive (76-66). Trae Young brings his own to six points, but the Celtics will again push the gap to ten points at the end of the third quarter (92-82).
Trae Young Festival
On a 3-point shot, De’Andre Hunter allows Atlanta to reduce the gap to six points again (95-89). But, Boston does not let the doubt settle. On a 3-point basket, Jaylen Brown sanctions, and restores eleven points ahead of his team (100-89). The Hawks cling, and return to eight lengths of the Celtics less than 5 minutes from the end (111-103). Trae Young then plants two consecutive outside bombs to equalize (111-111). 1 minute from the end, Atlanta leads by one point (114-113). But Boston recovers the advantage with two free throws scored by Derrick White (117-116).
With 7 seconds remaining, the ball is in the hands of Trae Young, who sends a huge 3-pointer to the head of Jaylen Brown to put his team two points ahead, leaving 1.8 seconds on the clock! In the process, Jayson Tatum misses the buzzer, and the Hawks carry out the hold-up by winning at TD Garden 119-117. The series returns to Atlanta.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Hawks’ big shot. Dominated for most of the match, Quin Snyder’s men managed to snatch victory at TD Garden. Still led by 10 points five minutes from the end, Atlanta found the resources to save its season by winning the 4th quarter 37-25. The Hawks were able to rely on an ultra clutch Trae Young, author of 16 points in the last quarter. There will be a Game 6 in Atlanta on Thursday. A meeting that promises to be boiling, with in particular the return from suspension of Dejounte Murray.
– The Celtics mess. Faced with an Atlanta team deprived of Dejounte Murray, Boston missed a golden opportunity to conclude the series in front of its public. However, Joe Mazzulla’s men were superior to their opponents during the match. The victory was almost assured, but it was without counting on a very high level finish from the Hawks, carried by a gala Trae Young. Jayson Tatum’s band will have to leave for Atlanta for a Game 6 that already smells of powder.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Trae Young. While he had gone completely through the first two games played at TD Garden, this time he assumed his responsibilities by carrying out a boss game to save his team’s season. He finished with 38 points and 13 assists! His “money time” is exceptional!
✅ John Collins. In the absence of Dejounte Murray, it was he who took over as the second option. He finished with 22 points at 9/18 shooting including 4/9 from 3-pointers.
✅ Bogdan Bogdanovic. He made a very clean copy with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists at 6/9 shooting including 3/6 at 3-pointers.
✅ Jaylen Brown. He was the Celtics’ best player, and had an XXL match. He finished with 35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists at 15/23 shooting including 4/7 from 3-pointers.
⛔️ Jayson Tatum. He was very clumsy with only 8/21 (38.1%) shooting including 1/10 from 3-pointers.
⛔️ Al Horford. Disappointing match on his part with only 3 points and 1 shot in on 5.
THE FOLLOWING
Game 6 in Atlanta, on the night of Thursday to Friday.
[box boxscore_250423_bos-atl]
