Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Pritchard and Tatum help Celtics beat the Hawks 109-102 without Brown

Pritchard and Tatum help Celtics beat the Hawks 109-102 without Brown | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

BOSTON (AP) — Payton Pritchard scored 36 points, Jayson Tatum had 26 points and 12 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics beat the Atlanta Hawks 109-102 on Friday night.

Jalen Johnson scored 29 points and CJ McCollum had 21 for the Hawks, who came in 15-2 since the All-Star break, best in the Eastern Conference. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points but Atlanta’s shooting touch faded as the game progressed after a strong start.

Boston played without All-Star guard Jaylen Brown, who was ruled out with Achilles tendinitis.

Behind Pritchard’s spark off the bench and a dramatic swing beyond the arc, the Celtics caught the Hawks after trailing 25-9 in the first quarter. Boston made seven straight 3-pointers during the second quarter, but Johnson and Atlanta went into halftime up 60-55.

Fresh off an overtime victory over Eastern Conference leader Detroit, Atlanta entered the final quarter within striking distance of Boston, which has the East’s second-best record. Tatum had a tough night from the field, missing 16 of 24 shots, yet his spinning drive to the rim gave Boston a 97-86 lead with 7:29 remaining.

After getting fouled on a 3-point attempt with time winding down on the shot clock, Tatum sealed it with three free throws that gave Boston a 107-99 lead with a minute left.

The surging Hawks entered Friday with 14 wins in their last 15 games. They had their three-game winning streak snapped after shooting 39% from the field.

Brown missed his eighth game of the season. The Celtics improved to 7-1 without their leading scorer. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said he was day to day.

Up next

Hawks: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.

Celtics: Travel to face Charlotte on Sunday.

Pritchard and Tatum help Celtics beat the Hawks 109-102 without Brown | iNFOnews.ca
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics center during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Pritchard and Tatum help Celtics beat the Hawks 109-102 without Brown | iNFOnews.ca
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Pritchard and Tatum help Celtics beat the Hawks 109-102 without Brown | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, top, wrestles for the ball with Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher, bottom, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

Brendan Mcgair

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles