Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Bounce Back in Game 3 Against Boston Celtics

• The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 3
• Trae Young and Dejounte Murray combined for 57 points in the win
• The Hawks took control in the second quarter with a 41-point explosion 

The Atlanta Hawks bounced back from a poor start to the postseason with a 130-122 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of their first-round series on Friday night.

Trae Young and Dejounte Murray starred for the Hawks, who shot 56 percent from the field.

The Celtics lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is Sunday in Atlanta.

Young and Murray sizzle 

Young was back to his best in Game 3, finishing with 32 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. He also contributed on the defensive end, recording two blocks and one steal in 37 minutes of action.

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Murray was also exceptional for the Hawks, scoring 25 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out five assists in the Game 3 win, per CBS Sports.  

The Hawks knew this game was a must-win for them, as no NBA team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs.

Atlanta's outstanding first-half performance

It was the Celtics, however, who started out strongly in this contest. They raced to a 37-33 lead after the first quarter, with Boston making nine 3-pointers in the first 12 minutes of play

The Hawks battled back in the second quarter, outscoring the Celtics 41-30. They were red-hot during that period, shooting 17 of 23 from the field against the Celtics.

Atlanta scored 74 points through the first two quarters, the most in one half of a playoff game in franchise history.

The Hawks scored 14 points in the paint in the second quarter, entering the break with a healthy 34-10 lead in that category. They finished the game with 54 points inside the shaded area.

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Trae Young made sure the Hawks held on to the win, either scoring or assisting on 17 of Atlanta’s 30 points in the fourth quarter.

Celtics record Game 2 win 

Sports Brief recently reported on the Celtics’ win over the Hawks in Game 2.

Derrick White powered Boston’s 119-106 victory, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal.

Jayson Tatum registered a double-double in that contest, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 boards.