After a defensive performance on Wednesday against Atlanta that the Celtics wanted to quickly put behind them, Boston came out with renewed intensity on Friday night. The Celtics (15-14) locked down those same Hawks (12-16) to pull out a 121-109 win at TD Garden on Friday night.
The other key difference tonight? Welcome back Kemba Walker. After missing Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta due to it being the second night of a back-to-back, Walker used the extra rest to put on a first half show.
For a player who has been working himself back into shape, the first 24 minutes saw the Celtics PG at his best. Finishing with 20 first half points on 7-11 shooting, Walker helped the Celtics open up a 66-41 halftime lead that they never let go of.
Walker led the Celtics with 28 points and 6 dimes, while Tatum poured in 25 of his own. Trae Young and Clint Capela each had big nights for Atlanta but received little offensive help from the rest of the Hawks.
Here are three main takeaways from Boston’s resurgent win over Atlanta:
