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Celtics Vs. Hawks: Boston Cruises To Win With First Quarter That Was 'Perhaps Single Most Dominant Of Kevin Garnett Era'

When the Celtics aren't "bored," they're a pretty good team, huh? 

What was supposed to be a close contest between a couple of teams have sparked a rivalry over the past few seasons was over as quickly as it started as Boston ran out to a 39-13 first quarter and never looked back, breezing past the Atlanta Hawks, 99-76. 

It was a dominant performance for the Celtics, with one of the best first quarters you'll see in the NBA all season. More from CelticsBlog

  • The first quarter was perhaps the single most dominant quarter of the Kevin Garnett era for the Celtics. They outscored the Hawks 39-13, shot a blistering 72 percent from the field (18-25), committed just two turnovers, and out-rebounded the Hawks 16-3.
  • But it was the team's first quarter defense that stole the show. The C's applied great ball pressure, contested practically every shot, made great rotations - particularly inside - and held the Hawks to 4-17 shooting (23.5 percent). It was a defensive clinic for the first 12 minutes.

The Celtics went a long way to silence some critics with the impressive win. 

Boston returns to action Wednesday night, back at home, where they'll host the New Jersey Nets in a Thanksgiving Eve matchup.