11:09 - The Celtics start the quarter with all of their starters on the bench except for Ray Allen. A couple weeks ago, this didn't hurt them. Hopefully it will tonight.
10:45 - I know, I know, I shouldn't complain about the officiating, and it certainly isn't making much difference in this game. Having said that, it would be nice to see us get a call every now and then on the inside - they are just killing Josh Smith and company with seemingly no repercussions.
9:53 - Sorry for that last post.
9:19 - Leon Powe makes an impressive driving lay-up to give Boston a 20-point lead, the largest of the game. During the regular season, this game would pretty much be over and you'd start focusing on the next opponent on the schedule. In a series though, you can't afford to just pack it in and go home. Even if the Hawks lose this game, they can still make a statement by making a comeback in this game, even if it's only to cut the deficit to 10 points. This time can be used to try different things, give the Celtics different looks, and focus on trying to come up with the necessary tweaks the team will need to make before Game 2 on Wednesday night. Yes, this game may well be over, but the series isn't, and if we can concentrate on winning the last 9 minutes, there can still be blocks to build on going forward.
6:34 - Ah, I see we have a commenter, who has voiced their displeasure with this game so far. I have to respectfully disagree. This game has not been an embarrassment, no matter what the scoreboard says (though that dunk by Leon Powe was probably a little cringe-inducing). The Hawks haven't given this game away, the Celtics have just played that well. There haven't been a ton of turnovers or terrible stretches. The Hawks just haven't shot well enough to stay in this one, unfortunately. But it hasn't been embarrassing by any stretch of the imagination.
4:30 - Al Horford isn't giving up, that's for sure. He just got a put-back for his 20th point of the night, which ties his career-high. If you want to find the biggest positive in this game, it's clearly been the play of Horford, who has held his own and more. Keeping him out of foul trouble and in the game will be hugely important as this series moves along.
3:26 - Both teams are beginning to empty their benches, so with that I will take a break to close up shop and get ready to head to the locker room. I'll be back with more later on tonight. This was rough, but at the end of the day it's only one game.
