Celtics dominate Hawks in Game 2

The Boston Celtics continued their impressive start to the NBA playoffs, beating the Atlanta Hawks 119-106 in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round series. Here are some of the key takeaways from the game:

Derrick White Shines For Celtics

Derrick White was once again outstanding for the Celtics, following up his 22-point performance in Game 1 with 26 points on 11-for-16 shooting in Game 2. The guard also contributed seven rebounds, two assists, and three blocked shots. White has been a revelation for Boston this season and has become something of a third star alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He is a reliable 3-point shooter, able to get to the basket when needed, and can defend some of the league's best guards. Joe Mazzulla, assistant coach for the Celtics, praised White's ability to quickly get the team into their offense.

Tatum Leads Scoring Charge

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics' scoring with 29 points in Game 2, along with six assists. The Hawks tried to slow Tatum down by doubling him in the late stages of the game, but he handled it with aplomb, using his passing to restart the Celtics' offense. The Hawks have been unable to contain Tatum so far in the series, and the Celtics have several other mismatches that are causing problems for Atlanta.

Hawks Struggle To Solve Celtics Puzzle

The Hawks are finding it tough to cope with the Celtics' scoring threats, with De'Andre Hunter struggling to contain Tatum on his own. Atlanta is also losing the rebounding battle and needs to control the shot margin if they are to have any chance of getting back into the series. Celtics assistant coach Joe Mazzulla noted that the Hawks are doing a good job of taking away their 3-pointers, and the team needs to work on securing more rebounds.

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Celtics Bigs Make Their Presence Felt

The Celtics' big men had a relatively quiet game offensively, but both Al Horford and Clint Capela had an impact. Horford continued to create space for his teammates by pulling Capela out to the 3-point line, while Capela was a force on the boards, pulling down 14 rebounds in Game 2.

Conclusion

The Celtics' strong start to the playoffs is a testament to their deep roster and ability to create mismatches on the court. Derrick White's emergence as a third star has given the team an extra dimension, and Jayson Tatum's scoring and passing have been key to their success. The Hawks will need to find a way to solve the Celtics' puzzle if they hope to make a comeback in the series.

FAQs

1. Who was the top scorer for the Celtics in Game 2?
• Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points.
2. How did the Hawks try to slow down Tatum in Game 2?
• They doubled him in the late stages of the game, but Tatum was able to use his passing to restart the Celtics' offense.
3. How has Derrick White contributed to the Celtics' success this season?
1. White has become a reliable 3-point shooter, can get to the basket when needed, and can defend some of the league's best guards.
4. What do the Hawks need to do to get back into the series?
• They need to control the shot margin and secure more rebounds.