Celtics Surge Past Hawks, Solidifying Eastern conference Contention
Despite a strong start, the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Boston Celtics 107-98, marking a stark contrast to their dominant 127-100 victory over Toronto just three days prior. The Hawks held a commanding 17-point lead in the second quarter, but the Celtics mounted a furious comeback, outscoring Atlanta 14-0 at the start of the third quarter to seize control of the game. This latest win extends Boston’s notable streak to ten victories in their last twelve matchups, positioning them as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference, currently led by the Miami Heat.
In contrast, the Hawks remain in a disappointing 10th place. Clint Capela, despite playing 30 minutes, struggled to make a significant impact, contributing only 5 points and 11 rebounds, resulting in a -16 plus-minus rating.
Celtics on the Rise: A Conversation with Former Hawks Coach Mike Budenholzer
Welcome back, fans, to another edition of “Between the Lines!” Today, we have a special guest, former Atlanta Hawks Coach Mike Budenholzer, joining us to dissect the Celtics’ recent surge and what it means for the Eastern Conference.coach Budenholzer, thanks for being here.
Coach Budenholzer: Glad to be here. Always enjoy discussing the game.
Moderator: LetS jump right into it.The Celtics just took down the Hawks 107-98, a bit of a surprise considering the Hawks’ dominant win against Toronto just days before. What do you attribute this performance disparity to?
Coach Budenholzer: This league is fickle, and momentum shifts quickly. The Celtics are playing supremely confident basketball right now. they weathered the Hawks’ early storm and then turned the tables with that amazing 14-0 run in the third quarter. That kind of explosiveness can be demoralizing, and the Hawks struggled to recover.
Moderator: Definitely, that Celtics run was a game-changer. Do you think the Hawks were overconfident after their big win over Toronto?
Coach Budenholzer: It’s possible. This league demands focus every night. You can’t afford to take a game lightly, nonetheless of your previous performance. The Celtics are a team that capitalizes on those lapses in focus.
Moderator: Certainly. Now, the Celtics have won ten of their last twelve games. They’re looking like a legitimate contender in the East. How do you see them stacking up against the current leaders, the Miami Heat?
Coach Budenholzer: The Celtics possess the offensive firepower and defensive tenacity to compete with anyone. They’re deep, they’re well-coached, and they have that championship pedigree. The Heat are a seasoned team, but the Celtics are right in the thick of it.
Moderator: You mentioned Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, rightfully so. They form one of the most dynamic duos in the league. How do you see them impacting the Eastern Conference race?
Coach Budenholzer: Tatum and Brown are flat-out special. They’re consistent scorers, they create for their teammates, and they elevate the play of everyone around them. Having that kind of star power gives the Celtics a significant advantage.
Moderator: Let’s talk about the Hawks briefly. They currently sit in 10th place in the East, a disappointing position considering the talent on their roster. What needs to change for them to make a playoff push?
Coach Budenholzer: Consistency. They need to find a rhythm and stick with it. They have flashes of brilliance, but they haven’t been able to sustain it over long stretches. They need to improve their defensive focus and find ways to contribute more offensively beyond Trae Young.
Moderator: You mentioned Trae Young. He’s had some outstanding individual performances, but are there concerns about his playoff consistency?
Coach Budenholzer: Trae is a supremely talented player. There’s no doubt about that. Playoff basketball is a different animal, though. Teams will key in on him, and he needs to adjust his game accordingly. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in the playoffs, but he needs to consistently find ways to make an impact against heightened defenses.
Moderator: Excellent points, Coach. Now, let’s open this up to our fans. What are your thoughts on the Celtics’ surge? Can they overcome the Miami Heat and capture the Eastern Conference title? Let us know in the comments below!
And a heartfelt thank you to Coach Mike Budenholzer for joining us today. Always insightful, always engaging.
