Opinion
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Hawks Set to Challenge Celtics at TD Garden: A Battle of East Coast Rivals

As the Atlanta Hawks prepare to face off against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, fans are bracing for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Hawks, coming off a narrow loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on December 24th with a score of 119-125, have shown they can put up big numbers and stay competitive until the final buzzer.


BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 26: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks fouls Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at the TD Garden on November 26, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

In that game against Memphis, ATL demonstrated their ability to score in bunches, particularly from inside the paint where they racked up 58 points. Despite falling short, their offensive prowess was evident as they shot an impressive 47 percent from the field and an even more remarkable 80 percent from the free-throw line. The team's resilience was on display as well; they led for over half of the game duration and had a significant lead of 12 points at one stage.


However, defense remains a concern for ATL. They allowed Memphis to shoot over 50 percent from both two-point range and overall field goal percentage. This defensive vulnerability could be exploited by BOS if not addressed promptly.


BOSTON, MA - November 26: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 26, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE  (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking back further into ATL's season provides additional insights into their potential strategies against BOS. On December 23rd against Miami Heat, despite scoring an admirable 113 points, ATL fell again in another close contest with a nine-point deficit. Their three-point shooting hovered around average at 35 percent but it’s worth noting that bench production stood out with contributions amounting to 35 points.


The most promising performance came on December 21st when ATL faced Houston Rockets away and emerged victorious with an impressive tally of 134 points while shooting efficiently across all metrics – including a notable true shooting percentage of about 65 percent.


BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 26: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at the TD Garden on November 26, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Against BOS though, it will take more than just efficient scoring; it will require tightening up defensively especially beyond the arc where Boston has shooters who can catch fire quickly if given space.


The upcoming game is set for February 8th at TD Garden in Boston – home court advantage for BOS which could play into their hands considering how teams tend to perform better in familiar confines surrounded by supportive fans. However, this Hawks team has shown tenacity on numerous occasions this season and could very well upset those expectations if they bring both their offensive A-game and improved defense.


Fans eager not only witness but also support Atlanta Hawks can tune into ESPN channel number is available nationally or BSSE channel number locally away broadcast networks when clock strikes half past seven PM Eastern Time on scheduled date mentioned above.

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