Payton Pritchard's 36 Points Lift Celtics Over Hawks

Boston snaps Atlanta's 3-game winning streak with home victory.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:10am

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Payton Pritchard scored a game-high 36 points and added 7 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics to a 109-102 home win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Jayson Tatum chipped in 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the Celtics, who were without leading scorer Jaylen Brown due to injury. Jalen Johnson paced the Hawks with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored 21 points.

Why it matters

The win snaps a 3-game winning streak for the Hawks, who have been surging since the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Celtics were able to hold off the Hawks' comeback attempt and secure an important home victory as they jockey for playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Hawks jumped out to a 25-9 lead in the first quarter, but the Celtics responded with a 10-0 run to pull within 6 points. Boston later tied the game at 37-37 and took a 43-40 lead on a Sam Hauser 3-pointer. Atlanta regained the lead before halftime, but the Celtics outscored the Hawks 32-22 in the third quarter to take an 87-82 advantage into the fourth. Boston extended its lead to double digits in the final period and held on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Celtics and Hawks will meet again on Monday in Atlanta.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A guard for the Boston Celtics who scored a game-high 36 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the win.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward who contributed 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' forward who led his team with 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

CJ McCollum

The veteran guard for the Hawks who scored 21 points in the loss.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' guard who also scored 21 points.

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What they’re saying

“Payton Pritchard was really feeling it tonight. He carried us offensively and made some big plays when we needed them.”

— Ime Udoka, Celtics Head Coach

What’s next

The Celtics and Hawks will meet again on Monday in Atlanta, giving the Hawks a chance to avenge this loss and continue their recent hot streak.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Celtics' depth and resilience, as they were able to overcome a double-digit deficit and the absence of their leading scorer Jaylen Brown to secure an important home win. Meanwhile, the Hawks' recent surge was temporarily halted, but they'll have another opportunity to take down the Celtics in their next matchup.