The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 112-99, at TD Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs First Round on Sunday. The Celtics lead the series 1-0.

The Celtics didn't have problems getting past the Hawks in the playoff opener for both teams, and the win for Boston was never in doubt, given how the game happened. Boston took control of the game early on and raced to a 29-19 lead following the fourth quarter. Boston decided to limit the impact of Trae Young, allowing other Hawks players to beat them, and the plan worked to perfection. Atlanta didn't have answers to slow down Boston given how the game unfolded, and the Celtics bolstered their advantage following a 45-25 score in the second quarter. Up by 30 points entering the second half, Boston stepped off the gas and allowed Atlanta to reduce the deficit to "only" 19 points after a 31-20 score in the third quarter. The Hawks also won the fourth quarter, but the game was already decided by the time the final 12 minutes started. The final quarter ended with a 24-18 score, but the Celtics closed things out with ease.

Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics with 29 points and 12 rebounds, and he also added three assists with a steal across 37 minutes. Jayson Tatum notched 25 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Derrick White posted 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Marcus Smart stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Al Horford had six points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Robert Williams III came off the bench and posted 12 points with eight rebounds.

Dejounte Murray led the way for the Hawks and finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Trae Young posted 16 points and eight assists while adding three boards and two steals. Clint Capela had 12 points and eight rebounds. John Collins also had 12 points. De’Andre Hunter had 11 points while adding three rebounds and two steals.