Nickeil Alexander-Walker scores 21 as Hawks beat Celtics 117-106, reversing January’s lopsided result

Atlanta flips the script in Boston after earlier 26-point loss

The Atlanta Hawks used a fast start and efficient perimeter shooting to defeat the Boston Celtics 117-106 on Wednesday night at TD Garden, tightening the season series after a 132-106 Celtics win on Jan. 17 in Atlanta.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 21 points, while Jalen Johnson delivered a 19-point, 14-rebound performance that anchored Atlanta’s work on both ends. Onyeka Okongwu added 17 points, Dyson Daniels scored 15, and Corey Kispert finished with 13 as the Hawks won their fourth straight game.

Three-point volume and ball movement set the tone early

Atlanta’s edge was established quickly. The Hawks opened a 21-point lead late in the first quarter and pushed the margin to 22 in the second, holding a 60-38 advantage at one point before Boston closed the half with an 8-0 run.

For the game, Atlanta made 18 of 42 three-point attempts (42.9%) and assisted on 29 of its 45 made field goals, indicators of both shot-making and consistent creation across possessions. Boston, by contrast, went 9 of 34 from three (26.5%) and recorded 21 assists on 42 made shots.

• Hawks: 18-of-42 from three; 29 assists; 9 turnovers
• Celtics: 9-of-34 from three; 16 turnovers

Boston’s rallies fell short as Atlanta maintained separation

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting, but missed all five of his three-point attempts. The Celtics generated brief momentum swings after halftime yet did not cut the deficit below 12 points in the second half.

Boston finished with a rebounding advantage (55-48), including 15 offensive rebounds, but Atlanta’s efficiency from deep and cleaner possession game limited the impact. With the outcome largely decided, Boston’s coaching staff removed most starters in the final minutes.

Roster note: Porzingis remains out

Kristaps Porzingis did not play for Atlanta and was not on the trip as he continued to deal with left Achilles tendinitis. Porzingis, a member of Boston’s 2024 championship team, joined the Hawks during the offseason.

The result provided a clear contrast to the teams’ Jan. 17 meeting, when Boston pulled away early and maintained a wide margin throughout in Atlanta.

The Celtics will look to stabilize after an uneven offensive night defined by missed threes and turnovers, while the Hawks continue a stretch in which perimeter shot-making and shared playmaking have been central to their wins.