Second in the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season, Boston behaved as the favorite during the first game of the quarterfinals against Atlanta and Capela. At home, the Celtics raced in the lead from start to finish to win Act I 112-99.
At the start of the 3rd quarter, Boston led by 32 points (76-44) before relaxing, while ensuring that the Hawks would not come back to score. The Celtics’ outside players and defense hurt Atlanta. Their leading scorer, Trae Young, finished with a 5/18 shooting.
For his part, Clint Capela scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 26’32 to finish with a differential of -8. The Genevan and the Hawks will try to raise their heads in Act II, which will take place once again in Boston on April 19.
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