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mar 31 2026ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics 112-102 in the NBA, powered by a dominant third quarter and strong performances from Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson, both scoring 20 points. The victory extended Atlanta's home winning streak to 13 consecutive games, bouncing back from a loss to Boston just three days earlier.
The game started at an even pace. The Hawks and Celtics exchanged baskets throughout the first half in a matchup marked by equality, with 10 ties and nine lead changes on the scoreboard. Neither team could pull away, until Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit a three-pointer from beyond eight meters at the buzzer that left the score at 54-54 at halftime, keeping the game tight in the NBA matchday.
That shot provided momentum for the Atlanta Hawks, who returned from the locker room with increased intensity. The Georgia squad delivered a decisive third quarter, outscoring the Boston Celtics 36-22. Atlanta elevated its defensive intensity and found offensive fluidity across multiple players, building a lead that reached 14 points at the start of the fourth quarter.
The home dominance expanded to as much as 21 points, though the Boston Celtics responded in the final stretch. Led by Jaylen Brown, who finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, the visitors cut the deficit to just eight points with two minutes remaining. Boston also found production from Luka Garza, who contributed 20 points and nine rebounds, but the comeback ran out of time.
In the decisive moments, Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker sealed the victory from the free-throw line with four made free throws in the final minute. Johnson finished the night with 20 points and 12 rebounds, recording his 45th double-double of the season, while Onyeka Okongwu added 20 points and 10 rebounds to complete another crucial double-double in Atlanta's victory.
Dyson Daniels also stood out, returning to the rotation after missing the previous game and contributing 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals, bringing energy on both sides of the floor for a very solid Atlanta Hawks team at home.
The Boston Celtics presented a different lineup compared to their last matchup against Atlanta. Jaylen Brown returned after two games of absence, while Jayson Tatum did not play due to load management. In the previous game between the two teams, played on Friday, Tatum had been the star with 26 points.
With this NBA victory, the Atlanta Hawks solidify their strength at home by extending their winning streak to 13 consecutive games, a run that reinforces their position in the fight for the top spots in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta will now continue its schedule looking to extend that positive momentum, while the Boston Celtics will seek to regain form in their upcoming NBA season games after falling in Atlanta.
