Boston Celtics Use Incredible Second Quarter to Power Past Atlanta Hawks in Game 1

• The Boston Celtics thumped the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 112-99
• Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 29 points for the Celtic,, who had a 30-point lead in the first half
• The Hawks struggled all game, and their comeback in the second half fell short

The Boston Celtics' first playoff game after last season's NBA Finals was incredible as they edged the Atlanta Hawks 112-99 in Game 1.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 29 points in 37 minutes as they used a 45-point second quarter to secure an important Game 1 victory.

The hosts pulled away with a 77-44 lead at halftime, and the game was basically wrapped up before the third quarter tipped off.

Brown, who was nursing a wound on his right hand was impressive for the 2008 NBA champions. He finished with a game-high 29 points and added 12 rebounds, per ESPN.

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Jayson Tatum was decent, too, finishing with 25 points and 11 rebounds in 40 minutes. Derrick White added 24 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.

The Hawks struggled in the first half. Their superstar Trae Young finished with 16 points and five turnovers on 5-of-18 shooting, including 1-of-5 from deep. The youngster is now 8 for his last 49 from 3, per CBS Sports.

The visitor tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but it was too late. Only Dejounte Murray (24) scored more than 20 points. 

Reactions from Celtics vs. Hawks

Brown said he expects a tougher Game 2 from the Hawks.

“Each game is its own story. We expect to get their best shot in the next game. Can’t take a team for granted. We let them get a little more comfortable in the second half, so I expect them in the next game to be a little bit more prepared. So, we’ve got to be a little bit more prepared as well,” via Boston.com.

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Hawks forward John Collins scored 12 points in 29 minutes. He said they weren’t prepared for Game 1.

"We weren't timid. We weren't scared," Collins said. "We just came out with a lack of mental focus. We weren't locked in enough. Sometimes that just happens. As a team we definitely knew what to expect game plan-wise but on the court sometimes it's harder to execute. Not scared. Not timid. None of those negative phrases from us. We're together,” via Bleacher Report.

The visitors managed to claw their way back. They cut a 32-point deficit to 12 but fell short in the end.

Tatum NBA goals

Sports Brief earlier reported on Tatum saying he only has one goal in the NBA, to win an NBA championship.

Tatum and the Celtics got close last season but fell short, losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

“The only thing that matters to me is winning a championship,” said Tatum. "Not MVP, not first-team All-NBA, none of that. I want to get back to the Finals and get over the hump.”