The Boston Celtics used a strong second half to turn back the Atlanta Hawks, 109-102, on Friday, March 27, 2026, at TD Garden. Boston trailed by five at halftime after Atlanta controlled much of the opening two quarters, but a 32-point third quarter changed the game, and the Celtics held their edge the rest of the way. Payton Pritchard led the home side with 36 points in one of Boston’s most important offensive performances of the night.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Atlanta opened with the sharper rhythm and took a 29-26 lead after one. The Hawks found enough early offense to stay in front, while Boston kept the margin manageable despite trailing for most of the period.
Second Quarter: The Hawks added to their lead in the second, outscoring Boston 31-29. Atlanta went into halftime ahead 60-55, with Jalen Johnson helping set the pace. Boston stayed close, but the Celtics were still looking for the defensive consistency that would arrive after the break.
Third Quarter: This was the turning point. Boston responded with its best stretch of the game, outscoring Atlanta 32-22 in the third quarter to move in front 87-82. The Celtics tightened up defensively, controlled the glass, and got the scoring lift they needed from Pritchard and the supporting group. After trailing at halftime, Boston entered the fourth with momentum and a five-point advantage.
Fourth Quarter: The Celtics finished the job by edging the Hawks 22-20 in the final period. Atlanta stayed within reach, but Boston remained composed in the closing minutes, making enough plays on both ends to protect the lead and secure the seven-point win.
Key Performers
Boston Celtics:
Payton Pritchard delivered a game-high 36 points and added seven rebounds, providing the offensive spark that carried Boston through its second-half push. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics in rebounding with 12 and also paced the team with five assists, giving Boston a steady all-around contribution. As a team, the Celtics shot 46.9% from the field, hit 14 of 35 from three-point range, and finished with a 52-35 advantage on the boards.
Atlanta Hawks:
Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 29 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a productive all-around outing. Onyeka Okongwu paced the Hawks with nine rebounds. Atlanta made 15 three-pointers and attempted 42 from beyond the arc, but the Hawks shot 39.1% overall and could not match Boston’s efficiency after halftime.
Game Analysis
Boston’s comeback was built on a few clear advantages. The Celtics controlled the rebounding battle by 17, which helped offset Atlanta’s higher shot volume. That extra possession margin proved important in a game that was close throughout. Boston also shot better from the field, finishing at 46.9% compared with Atlanta’s 39.1%.
The third quarter was where the game shifted. After allowing 60 first-half points, the Celtics held the Hawks to 42 over the final two quarters. Atlanta still found some perimeter success with 15 made threes, but Boston limited second chances, settled into a better defensive rhythm, and executed more cleanly late in possessions.
Pritchard’s scoring output gave Boston the kind of reliable offensive engine it needed, especially after trailing through the first half. While Atlanta had balanced creation from Johnson and solid team ball with 23 assists, the Hawks could not generate enough efficient half-court offense late. Boston’s 26 assists, rebounding control, and improved second-half defense were the difference.
Closing Context
The win moved Boston to 48-24 overall and 25-11 at home, another useful result as the Celtics continue to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference race. Atlanta dropped to 41-32, including 20-16 on the road, after missing a chance to add an important away win against a playoff-caliber opponent. With the regular season entering its final stretch, Friday’s result offered another reminder of how much second-half execution can matter in the standings picture.
