Celtics Defeat Hawks 109-102 Behind Pritchard's 36 Points

Tatum adds 26 points and 12 rebounds in Boston victory

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:40am

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The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks 109-102 on Friday night, led by a 36-point performance from guard Payton Pritchard. Celtics star Jayson Tatum also contributed 26 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Why it matters

This victory keeps the Celtics in the hunt for a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, as they continue to battle with the Hawks and other top teams in the East. Pritchard's breakout game showcases the depth of the Celtics roster and their ability to win without relying solely on Tatum.

The details

Payton Pritchard shot an efficient 12-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-10 from three-point range, to lead the Celtics to the win. Jayson Tatum recorded another double-double, adding to his stellar season. The Celtics led for most of the game, fending off a late Hawks comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A 24-year-old guard for the Boston Celtics who had a career-high scoring night.

Jayson Tatum

The 28-year-old All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics, who contributed a double-double in the win.

Atlanta Hawks

The professional basketball team from Atlanta, Georgia that lost to the Celtics.

Boston Celtics

The professional basketball team from Boston, Massachusetts that won the game.

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What they’re saying

“Payton really stepped up for us tonight. When he's hitting shots like that, it opens things up for the whole team.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics Forward

What’s next

The Celtics will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Celtics' depth was on full display, as Pritchard's career night complemented Tatum's strong performance. This win showcases the Celtics' ability to win games even when their top stars don't carry the entire load, a valuable trait as they aim for a deep playoff run.