Boston Gives Repeat Performance to Take 2-0 Series Lead

Rajon Rondo again thoroughly outplayed point guard counterpart Mike Bibby, collecting 12 points and eight assists.

Kevin Garnett had another double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Boston Celtics beat the Atlanta Hawks 96-77 to take a 2-0 series lead. Photo courtesy: Boston Celtics

BOSTON - You can be forgiven if you started experiencing a slight case of deja vu while watching Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

As in Game 1, Atlanta held a brief early lead before Boston quickly took control. As in Game 1, the Hawks hung around for about a half or so before the Celtics put together a decisive surge. As in Game 1, the second half entirely belonged to Boston. And as in Game 1, the Celtics cruised to victory, this time by a 96-77 count.

Kevin Garnett had another double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Rajon Rondo again thoroughly outplayed point guard counterpart Mike Bibby, collecting 12 points and eight assists. And the Celtics again thoroughly clamped down on the Hawks, who shot just 38 percent from the field and are averaging 79 points through the first two games.

The Celtics got a scare when All-Star Paul Pierce left in the second quarter with a back strain. But he started the second half and scored six of his 14 points in the third quarter, when Boston turned it into a blowout. Josh Smith and Marvin Williams scored 13 points each for the Hawks. Bibby, serenaded throughout by the fans at TD Banknorth Garden, added 12 on 2-of-7 shooting.

The series shifts to Atlanta, which will host a playoff game for the first time in nine years. Game 3 is Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Source: NBA.com

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