Hawks fall short against Celtics' Payton Pritchard

Atlanta's three-game win streak ends in loss at Boston's TD Garden

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:26am

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The Atlanta Hawks' three-game winning streak came to an end on Friday as they fell 109-102 to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Despite strong performances from Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks were unable to contain Celtics guard Payton Pritchard in the second half.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Hawks, who had been building momentum with their recent wins. Their inability to slow down Pritchard raises questions about the team's defensive capabilities against elite guards. The game also highlights the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference, where every win is crucial for teams jockeying for playoff positioning.

The details

Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while CJ McCollum added 21 points and 5 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also contributed 20 points and 5 rebounds. However, the Hawks struggled to contain Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, who had a strong second-half performance to help Boston pull away.

  • The game took place on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • The Hawks' three-game win streak was snapped with the loss.

The players

Jalen Johnson

A forward for the Atlanta Hawks who led the team with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss.

CJ McCollum

A guard for the Atlanta Hawks who scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the game.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A guard for the Atlanta Hawks who contributed 20 points and 5 rebounds in the losing effort.

Payton Pritchard

A guard for the Boston Celtics who had a strong second-half performance to help his team pull away from the Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“We just couldn't find a way to slow down Pritchard in the second half. He really took over the game and we couldn't respond.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawks will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena.

The takeaway

This loss serves as a reminder that the Hawks still have work to do to become an elite team in the Eastern Conference. Their inability to contain Celtics guard Payton Pritchard highlights the need for improved defensive performance, especially against skilled opposing guards.