Celtics Survive Late Push From Hawks, Win Game 4 129-121

The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks 129-121. Boston now leads 3-1, and looks to have the series all but wrapped up as it heads back to TD Garden.

Atlanta battled in the second half, cutting the lead to as little as 3, but the Celtics executed their game plan to perfection. Just as they’ve done all series long, Boston hit their threes, feasted in the paint, and largely sealed Atlanta off the offensive glass. Although the lead was under 10 for most of the 4th quarter, the C’s were able to close this one with ease.

“I didn’t see the box score,” said Joe Mazzulla following the game, “I just felt like we were very detailed on the offensive end, and I thought we were poised.”

Handling the Hawks offensive rebounding prowess was a major point of emphasis coming into tonight. After issues in Game 3, Mazzulla went to the double big lineup with Al Horford and Robert Williams III tonight, a move that strongly paid off.

“They were both tremendous tonight,” he said, adding that Al Horford’s offensive rebounding in particular was instrumental in tonight’s win. “When those two guys are connected and they’re playing really well, it really helps our physicality.”

Everyone got in on the action for Boston, with six players finishing in double figures. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — who ditched his mask halfway through — led the way with 31 points apiece, while Malcolm Brogdon contributed 14 off the bench, trailing the Hawks entire bench by just 7 points. Robert Williams III, along with 13 points, added 12 rebounds and some big blocks as well.

Mazzulla had high praise for Williams III following the game. “When he plays at that level, we’re a different team,” he said. “He brings an energy and a level of joy to our team constantly.”

Atlanta hung tough, but they couldn’t get the same all around scoring effort they had on Friday. Despite 21 4th quarter points from Trae Young, the Hawks were just trading baskets, never getting the clutch stop they needed.

Young spent much of the game facilitating before exploding in the 4th, finishing with 35 points and 14 assists. De’Andre Hunter also played his best game of the series, adding 27 points on 65.4% from the field. Dejounte Murray, who’s been easily the hardest Hawk for Boston to stop, didn’t have a major impact despite his 23 points. He finished -16 and tied for the game high in turnovers with 3.

Once again, Boston showed that even when the Hawks make things interesting, they always have the ability to hunker down on defense and put up transition points in a hurry. The series isn’t over yet, but Boston is simply the better team, and should put away the series on Tuesday barring any unforeseen injuries or defensive lapses.

Game 5 tips off on April 25 at 7:30.