Big Ticket’s Double-Double And Strong Celtics Defense Lead Boston To Shoot Down Hawks 96-77

I am by nature an optimist, so I always try to look for the silver lining in any cloud. I think I discovered one for the Atlanta Hawks.?The way the first two games of their first round NBA Playoff series against the Boston Celtics?have gone Hawks coach Mike Woodson will have a full? head of hair again by the end of?May. Boston led by the “Big Ticket” Kevin?Garnett who recorded a double-double?beat up the Atlanta Hawks again Wednesday night 96-77.?

The Hawks stayed with Boston during the first quarter as the Green Team had the lead at the end of the period but only a slim one as they were on top 24-20. But the chinks in the Hawks battle armor started to show up in the second quarter as the Celtics lead at the half was 52-42. Boston started to shut down Atlanta in the third quarter, as they could muster just 16 points, and the Celtics lead at the end of three quarters was 76-58.?The Hawks never got within single digits in the fourth quarter of Boston.

Garnett scored 19 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, in the Boston victory. Ray Allen scored 15 points,?2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, Paul Pierce scored 14 points, 2 assists, 2 steals. The point guard tandem of Boston certainly did there job as starter Rajon Rondo scored 12 points, dished off 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, veteran Sam Cassell scored 10 points coming off the pine, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound.

Atlanta was led by two players who scored 13 points each.? Josh Smith scored 13 points, 8 boards, 4 blocks, 3 assists, 2 steals, Marvin Williams also scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal.? Mike Bibby scored 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, Acie?Law scored 12 points, 1 assist, 1 steal.? Joe Johnson scored 11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, Boston and Atlanta now head to Atlanta for Game Three with Boston leading the series 2-0.