Opinion
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Clash at State Farm Arena: Boston Celtics Take on Atlanta Hawks

As the Boston Celtics prepare to face off against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent defeat. The upcoming game, scheduled for April 23rd, is not just another match in the calendar; it's a chance for redemption.


ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics' last encounter with the Hawks was a high-scoring affair that ended in disappointment. Despite putting up 122 points and leading for over nine minutes, they fell short by eight points. Their offensive efficiency was notable with an impressive true shooting percentage of 62 percent and three-point shooting at 44 percent. However, their defense allowed the Hawks to score 130 points – a defensive rating that needs tightening up.


Boston's strengths lie in their ability to share the ball and create opportunities; they racked up 31 assists in their previous game against Atlanta. Yet turnovers were an issue – totaling twelve – which translated into significant points off turnovers for the Hawks. The Celtics will need to maintain possession better this time around.


ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

On paper, Boston seems like the stronger side with more wins under their belt this season (57 compared to Atlanta's 41). But basketball isn't played on paper. The physicality of play under both baskets will be crucial; in Game 3, despite having fewer rebounds overall (38 vs Atlanta's whopping 57), it was clear that every possession would count.


Looking at past performances gives us some insight into what might unfold during this next matchup. In Game 2 against another team earlier this week, Boston showed dominance with a commanding win where they led for over thirty-six minutes and boasted an even higher true shooting percentage of nearly 66 percent.


ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 21:  Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a shot against Derrick White #9 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 21, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.  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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The key player matchups will also be pivotal in determining who comes out on top. For instance, how well Boston can limit fast break opportunities and control points in paint – areas where Atlanta excelled last time by scoring quickly on transitions and dominating inside scoring – could very well decide the outcome of this game.


With all eyes set on April 23rd at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia fans should expect an intense battle as both teams vie for victory once again. The game is scheduled to tip-off at around seven o'clock Eastern Time and can be watched live on TNT nationally or through local broadcasts BSSE (channel number:649) for home fans or NBCS-BOS (channel number:630) for those cheering from away.

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