9:44 - The Hawks are picking  it up on offense a bit to start the second, but the Celtics continue to get easy buckets inside. Atlanta has got to do a better job on the defensive glass, especially with Garnett and Perkins out of the game right now.

7:00 - Ok, gut check. 41-28 Celtics, and the crowd is as loud as it's been in the game. Joe Johnson is back in, and we need him badly.

4:30 - Crap! Joe had a great look at a 3, but it goes long and the Celts get a fastbreak layup from Rajon Rondo going the other way. It's 45-30 bad guys, and right now I'm once again in the position to root for the team just to get the lead back to single digits at the half. The Celtics are tough at home, boy.

3:45 - Josh Smith has taken a few jumpers tonight, but he is also being very aggressive attacking the basket. It's working too, as he has gotten to the line three times and made all 6 FTs. 47-34 Celtics.

2:45 - You have got to be kidding me. Josh Smith just made an amazing block on Rondo on one end, and while the Hawks were fast-breaking down the other way for an easy deuce, the refs called a foul on Rondo for keeping Smoove from getting up on the baseline. The Celtics fans are booing the call, but the foul saved a basket on the other end. There needs to be an advantage rule like in soccer for a play like that - the foul is on the Celtics, but the Hawks are the ones who are penalized by the situation. UPDATE: At least Smoove made the foul shots. It's 48-36.

2:17 - JJ goes to the line as he's fouled on a three-point attempt, and once again the charity stripe is keeping the Hawks in play. It's down to 9 now, 48-39.

1:45 - Another defensive stand by Atlanta, but another dagger from Boston as Rondo nails a trey with 1 on the shot clock. Back to 12, 51-39.

57.0 - Calm down, Celtics fans. Al Horford commits a hard foul on Garnet to be sure, but there was no harm intended. The second it was over Al started to go over to help KG up, but I guess his help wasn't wanted. I understand, but I don't think the flagrant was warranted, and KG took advantage by hitting both FTs.

0:35 - That hurt. The Hawks get a stop, but no one can corral the loose ball and Ray Allen ends up with an open look for 3 to push it back to a 15-point lead. These are the kinds of breaks you make for yourself, and Boston has been the team making them tonight.

0:00 - Pierce hits another shot-clock beating jumper, and we are 58-43 at the half. This game reminds me more of Game 1 than 2 - I think the Hawks are playing ok - not great, but not bad - but the Celtics are playing at an incredibly high level and therefore lead by 15. The defense is the main culprit tonight - they are really going to have to tighten up in the second half if they want a shot at coming home with a lead in the series.