Third Quarter Takeoff Lifts Hawks Past Celtics

The Atlanta Hawks flipped the switch when it mattered most—and never looked back.

Atlanta rode a dominant third quarter to a 112-102 win over the Boston Celtics Monday night at State Farm Arena, turning a tight first half into a statement finish in front of a sellout crowd.

This one felt like a chess match early. Boston and Atlanta traded punches through two quarters, with neither side able to create separation. By halftime, it was deadlocked at 54-54—12 lead changes, 10 ties, and no real control.

Then the Hawks came out of the locker room and blew it open.

Atlanta dropped 36 points in the third while holding Boston to just 22, shooting a blistering 68.4% from the field in the period. That’s where the game broke. Everything clicked—ball movement, shot selection, defensive pressure—it all showed up at once.

Onyeka Okongwu was right at the center of it, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and knocking down four threes in one of his most complete games of the season. He stretched the floor, protected the paint, and set the tone on both ends.

Jalen Johnson matched that energy with 20 points and 12 boards, doing a little bit of everything—including pushing the pace and facilitating with five assists.

And then there was Dyson Daniels, quietly stuffing the stat sheet with 18 points and five assists while helping dictate tempo. Atlanta had six players in double figures, and it showed—this wasn’t about one guy, it was about waves.

Boston leaned heavily on Jaylen Brown, who poured in 29 points and nine assists, but it came at a cost—29 shot attempts and six turnovers. The Hawks made him work for everything, especially after halftime.

The numbers tell the story. Atlanta dominated in the paint (48-30), shot more efficiently (46.7%), and took better care of the ball (11 turnovers to Boston’s 15). But more than that, they controlled the game where it matters most—in the third.

Boston made a push late, trimming what was once a 21-point deficit down to single digits, but Atlanta never let it get uncomfortable. Every time the Celtics knocked, the Hawks answered.

This was a response win. Not flashy, not perfect—but controlled, physical, and timely.

And when the Hawks play like that in the second half, they’re a problem.

Atlanta now heads on the road to take on Orlando before continuing road trip on Friday, April 3 to take on the Brooklyn Nets Atlanta will return home on Monday April 6 to take on the Knicks.