Atlanta Hawks fall short in Boston

The Atlanta Hawks put their NBA best 18-7 road record on the line Wednesday night in the Garden against the struggling 19-31 Boston Celtics. However, the Celtics would get the better of the Hawks by one point, 89-88.

Jeff Teague and Al Horford would lead the charge once again as the Hawks jumped on the Celtics early. Fast breaks, steals and playing big down low were the dominating factors in the first quarter. Defensively, the Hawks would stand tough and only allow 13 points by Boston.

The Hawks bench would play a big role in the second quarter as they would clock into work to the tune of 38 total minutes and 17 points. SG Kent Bazemore would lead the Hawks bench with 6 points, 2 boards and one block. Horford would bank in 12 points of his own as Atlanta would take a 49-34 lead going into halftime.

Boston would not simply bow out to the best team in the east, though. The Celtics would go on an early 11 to 5 run in the third. Marcus Thornton would come off the bench and orchestrate an offensive display as he saw his point total rise to 14 points. PF Jared Sullinger would also come alive in the second half and bring the Celtics within 10 points.

Atlanta would see the lead slip away late as Boston stunned the Hawks 89-88. The Hawks could not get the late baskets they needed and the Celtics found a way to win the game.

Even though disappointed tonight, the fan base has time to regroup. Atlanta, both the team and the city, will enjoy this upcoming All-Star Weekend as the Hawks will be well represented. Tune in this weekend for some good entertainment, but then get ready for the second half of the season and Hawks campaign for the NBA Playoffs.