Super Bowl obliges, the two meetings on the NBA program on Sunday evening were brought forward to the start of the afternoon to avoid being in competition with American football. Not enough to destabilize Boston, which signed an eighth consecutive victory, against Atlanta (105-95) with 38 points from Jayson Tatum.
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The All-Star winger scored 16 in the third quarter alone, the moment the Celtics chose to take control of the game. Guided by Trae Young (30 points, 10 assists), the Hawks had taken the lead at the break (45-55, 24th). But the efforts of Tatum and Jaylen Brown eventually paid off for Boston, more and more comfortable in defense: Atlanta was limited to 36% shooting success.
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The Hawks came back to six points four minutes from the buzzer (97-91, 44th) but their inability to secure rebounds benefited Boston. Robert Williams then Marcus Smart each scored two points on these second chances offered by the Atlanta defense, to fold the match (101-91, 46th). With this victory, Boston is now sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are tenth.
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Minnesota wins over Indiana
In the other game of the evening, Minnesota won Indiana (129-120) thanks to the excellent game of Anthony Edwards (37 points). Well supported by Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, “Ant” put Wolves back in the lead after two straight defeats. Minnesota is seventh in the Western Conference, ahead of the two Los Angeles teams (Clippers and Lakers). Indiana remains 13th in the East.
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The only ray of sunshine for Pacers fans: the beautiful copy of Tyrese Haliburton (22 points, 16 assists). The young leader was again convincing for his second game in his new colors, after being traded by Sacramento.
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