The Atlanta Hawks rode a big first quarter to a 49-35 halftime advantage over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The Hawks jumped out to a 20-6 lead on the Celtics in the first quarter and led 31-18 by the end of the quarter. Boston cut the lead to just nine midway through the second quarter prompting a Larry Drew timeout and the Hawks responded with a 9-1 run to stretch the lead back out.
Josh Smith has been rock solid with 15 points and 10 rebounds at the half. Smith hit 7 of 12 shots and has been a factor at both ends of the floor. Joe Johnson added 10 points and five assists while Jeff Teague has seven.
Rajon Rondo has 12 points and four assists on 6 of 9 shooting. Paul Pierce added nine points and Avery Bradley eight for the Celtics. Kevin Garnett had a forgettable first half with two points and six rebounds but is just 1 of 9 from the floor.
Atlanta shot 49 percent in the first half and held the Celtics to just 37 percent. The Hawks are 4 of 11 from three point range while the Celtics are 0 for 7. Atlanta holds a 26-18 rebounding advantage at the break.
For more on the Hawks-Celtics playoff series check out Peachtree Hoops and CelticsBlog. For more news and notes regarding the NBA Playoffs head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.