Despite a Celtic season filled with inconsistency – and for a reason I “felt” more than “thought” – I did not doubt the outcome of last night’s game in Hot’lanta for a single second … not trailing by 16 early or by 10 late in Q3, with or without the services of Marcus Smart.
The Hawks came out fired up, playing crisp and opportunistic ball, likely as well as they are capable – shooting 52% (25-for-48) and parlaying six second chances into nine “Follow-up” points in the first half. But reality set in after the intermission – nine second chances begat but two points; for the second half, FG shooting dropped to 34% (15-for-44); and the C’s had more Q4 Offensive Rebounds (six) than Atlanta had Q4 D-boards (four).