As the Boston Celtics built another double-digit lead in the first quarter of their first-round playoff series, Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder told his team in a timeout, "They’re absolutely playing harder than us."
Snyder was right. The Celtics have dominated when engaged, but as has been the case all season, they let their foot off the gas and needed late lockdown defense to secure a 129-121 victory. Boston avoided a 2-2 series and should close out Atlanta in Game 5 on Tuesday, but they cannot afford to navigate stretches on cruise control against higher-powered Eastern Conference opponents — namely, the Philadelphia 76ers.