After taking control for most of the game, the Celtics certainly did not make things easy for themselves late on Saturday night in Atlanta.
Boston’s worst habits that started its post-break slide came into view. Their double-digit lead was sliced down to an uncomfortable margin, and their inability to keep opponents off the offensive glass continued. Then, Marcus Smart was inexplicably ejected with less than 90 seconds to go after a skirmish with Trae Young.
But unlike their pitfalls from their three-game skid earlier this month, the Celtics never cratered or succumbed to their late-game struggles. It wasn’t nearly perfect, but the C’s had enough answers down the stretch to hold off the Hawks for a 134-125 victory to kick off their six-game road trip.
Jayson Tatum had another special night with 34 points, 15 rebounds and six assists, and Jaylen Brown scored 24 points to lead six Celtics in double-figure scoring. Young had 35 points and 13 assists to lead the Hawks, who could be a potential first-round playoff opponent next month.
Given the fireworks late, that could be an entertaining series.
The Celtics led by eight with 1:25 left when the altercation between Smart and Young happened. Young appeared to have a three-point play after driving by Smart, but seemed to inadvertently kick the Celtics guard in the groin while taking the shot. But Smart took issue with Young, seemingly thinking the Hawks guard kicked him on purpose.
Smart approached Young and the two went face-to-face before Smart seemed to lose his balance and crashed to the floor, causing both teams to be separated. After a long video review, the two guards were assessed double technical fouls but Smart was ejected.
Young’s shot before the skirmish didn’t count but he made two free throws to cut the Celtics’ lead to six. After Tatum missed a 3-pointer, the Hawks had multiple chances to make it a one-possession game. But after they grabbed two offensive rebounds, Al Horford blocked John Collins’ layup, and then Tatum found Malcolm Brogdon for a breakaway layup that sealed the win.
