Okongwu shines as Boston Celtics blow out Atlanta Hawks to take 2-0 series lead

The Boston Celtics recorded a 119-106 victory against the Atlanta Hawks in an NBA Western Conference Game 2 round one match-up in the early hours of Thursday, April 19, 2023.

The Celtics recorded a blowout victory in the first game and targeted a clean sweep on the home court.

The Hawks were better prepared this time around as they kept up with the Celtics in the first quarter.

The Celtics had a three-point to start the second quarter, increased the tempo to put up 33 points and create more separation at the halftime break.

To start the third quarter, the Hawks began to chip away at the Celtics' 12-point lead as they put up 32 points to have a lifeline to finish the game.

It was a repeat of Game 1 in the fourth quarter as the Celtics were solid executing down the stretch to get the win.

Small forward Jayson Tatum was the star of the game as the Celtics recorded a much-needed win against the Hawks to go up by two in the series.

In 40 minutes of action, Tatum recorded 29 points, one block, six assists, and one steal.

He made 12 of his 22 shots, was five of nine from three-point range without any free throw attempts.

American professional basketball player of Nigerian descent Onyeka Okongwu was impressive in the Hawks loss to the Celtics.

Okongwu was named among the substitutes for the Hawks game at TD Garden in Massachusetts.

As part of the second rotation, Okongwu put up eight points, nine rebounds one assist, and two blocks.

In 24 minutes of action, Okongwu made four of his five shots and was a huge defensive presence.

Okongwu and the Hawks return to action at home against the Celtics in Game 3 scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023.