A look inside the Hawks’ 89-72 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series game:
Five observations
1. Keeping an eye on Korver
Kyle Korver may have struggled in Game 1 but Celtics coach Brad Stevens was not about to lose sight of the Hawks’ sharpshooter. But his team did. Korver hit four first-quarter 3-pointers as the Hawks built a big lead that would never dip below double-digits. “Korver is one of the main things we talk about every time we walk in this building, every time we walk into the hotel, every time we land in Atlanta. We know we have to be in his airspace or else we are toast,” Steven said. Burnt toast it turns out.
2. Celtics’ 3-point woes
The Celtics were atrocious from 3-point range, especially early in the game. They finished 5 of 28 from long range after going 1 of 13 in the first half. Celtics starters were a combined 2 of 18 from 3-point range with the starting backcourt of Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart going 2 of 12. It was clear the Celtics missed Avery Bradley, done for the series with a hamstring injury. The Hawks were 11 of 29 from 3-point range. The Hawks finished the game with only four more total field goals made than the Celtics.
3. So good, so fast
The Hawks put a stranglehold on the Celtics immediately. They jumped out early and finished with a 24-7 lead after the first quarter. The seven points allowed were an NBA playoff record low in the shot-clock era. It also tied the fewest points allowed in any quarter in Hawks playoff history, matching the seven points allowed in the fourth quarter to the Heat on April 19, 2009.
4. Block party
The Hawks recorded a playoff franchise record with 15 blocks. It was tied for the sixth most blocks in an NBA playoff game since 1984-85. Al Horford had five blocks. Paul Millsap added four and Thabo Sefolosha had two. Jeff Teague, Mike Muscala, Mike Scott and Korver all had one.
5. Still no Humphries
Kris Humphries again did not play, a coach’s decision. He has not played in either game of the series. Muscala was the first big off the bench for the Hawks and played 10:37 with four points and three rebounds. Humphries is healthy, according to head coach Mike Budenholzer. While he said he expected Humphries to be ready, Budenholzer said Muscala will continue to play a role in the series.
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