Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics trade leads at TD Garden as Dirty Birds turn turnovers into points

The Atlanta Hawks left TD Garden with a 41-33 record after a 109-102 loss to the Boston Celtics, who moved to 49-24. Boston finished with the 109-102 edge after 5 ties and 6 lead changes, while the Hawks led for 24:30.

First quarter

The Atlanta Hawks opened with 29 points in the first quarter while the Boston Celtics scored 26. The Hawks shot 39 percent overall for the game and hit 15 threes on 42 attempts, and that early spacing helped Atlanta build a biggest lead of 16. Atlanta also created 20 points off turnovers while committing 4 turnovers in the game.

Second quarter

The Hawks added 31 points in the second quarter and carried the offense with 23 assists as the Celtics put up 29. Atlanta kept pressure on the rim with 34 points in the paint and added 14 fast-break points on 75 percent finishing in transition. The Celtics stayed attached by piling up 55 bench points and 18 second-chance points behind 13 offensive rebounds.

Third quarter

Boston swung the game in the third quarter by outscoring Atlanta 32-22. The Celtics’ efficiency showed in a 47 percent field goal mark and a 56 percent effective field goal rate, while also hitting 14 threes on 40 percent. Atlanta’s defense finished with 6 steals and 4 blocks, but Boston’s 63-42 rebounding advantage created extra possessions that tilted the quarter.

Fourth quarter

The Hawks scored 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Celtics scored 22 to close it out. Atlanta’s free throws landed at 79 percent on 24 attempts, while Boston answered with 83 percent on 23 attempts. The Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics recap also included Boston finishing with 26 assists, as the Hawks’ game pace settled at 91.56 possessions.

Key Hawks notes

Dyson Daniels previously posted 6 points with 5 assists and 6 rebounds, and Atlanta again leaned on his playmaking role in this Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics full match report. Onyeka Okongwu previously logged 9 rebounds, and the Hawks’ 42 total rebounds in this one made the glass a swing factor in the game-changing plays Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics. Mouhamed Gueye previously recorded 1 block and 1 steal, and Atlanta’s 4 blocks and 6 steals reflected that same disruptive lane activity at TD Garden.

What’s next

The Hawks are scheduled to host the Sacramento Kings at State Farm Arena in Atlanta at 7:30 PM EDT on 3/28/2026, with FDSSE, NBCS-CA, WANF, and Peachtree Sports Network carrying the broadcast. Atlanta Hawks final whistle reaction continues as the schedule moves forward, so run it back with the next one and share this article with other Hawks fans.